CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Wellspan York Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,507
Cash Discount Price: $702
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.23x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Wellspan York Hospital is $1,507. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $702. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 4.23x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1001 South George Street, York, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$702

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,507

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$356.43

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $356.43 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $702 (197%)

Insurance Median: $1,507 (423%)

Cash: $702 (197% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,507 (423% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $356.43 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 423% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 323%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Medicaid / KanCare	$336 - $612	94%
Johns_Hopkins_Healthcare_Plan	$350 - $2,514	98%
Medicare (plans)	$350 - $378	98%
Aetna	$360 - $2,411	101%
Highmark	$525 - $2,156	147%
Blue_Cross	$718 - $2,381	201%
Wellspan_Capital_Blue_Cross	$721 - $2,434	202%
United_Healthcare	$2,107	591%
Cigna	$2,206 - $2,362	619%
First_Health_Network	$2,294 - $2,411	644%
Phc	$2,381	668%
Geisinger	$2,514	705%
Upmc	$2,514	705%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $702.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70553.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Wellspan York Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70553.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.