CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Colleton Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $3,253
Cash Discount Price: $10,878
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.13x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Colleton Medical Center is $3,253. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $10,878. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 9.13x the Medicare baseline. Located in 501 Robertson Boulevard, Walterboro, SC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$10,878

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,253

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: $10,878 (3052%)

Insurance Median: $3,253 (913%)

Cash: $10,878 (3052% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,253 (913% 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 913% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 813%). 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
Select Health	$377	106%
Absolute Total Care	$625 - $2,033	175%
United	$828 - $5,998	232%
Sc State Employees	$1,051 - $1,132	295%
Blue Choice	$1,613	453%
Blue Choice Health Plan	$1,704 - $1,780	478%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,704 - $10,731	478%
Nhc Advantage	$2,146	602%
Pruitt Health	$2,146	602%
Employers Health Network	$5,083	1426%
Value Option	$5,648	1585%
Vocational Rehab	$6,100	1711%
Medcost	$6,371 - $8,246	1787%
Aetna	$6,540	1835%
Cigna	$7,297	2047%
Humana	$7,342 - $10,166	2060%
Evernorth	$9,037	2535%
Multiplan	$9,602	2694%
North American Administrators	$9,602	2694%
Prime Health	$9,602	2694%
First Health	$10,166	2852%
Novanet	$10,166	2852%

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 $10,878.
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 Colleton Medical Center 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.