CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: St Jude Childrens Research Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $828
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.32x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at St Jude Childrens Research Hospital is $828. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 2.32x the Medicare baseline. Located in 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$828

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%)

Insurance Median: $828 (232%)

Ins. Median: $828 (232% 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 232% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 132%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$129 - $3,450	36%
Home State Health	$313	88%
Medicaid / KanCare	$327	92%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$461 - $762	129%
Molina Marketplace Of Ms	$474	133%
Empower	$578	162%
Healthcare Connections La	$731	205%
Cigna	$750	210%
Tenncare Select Hmo	$828	232%
Health Choice - Ok	$893	251%
Healthy Blue	$1,198	336%
Humana	$1,500	421%
Vantage	$2,875 - $3,211	807%
Aetna	$3,594	1008%
Private Health Care Systems	$3,834	1076%
Ms Physicians Care Network	$4,073	1143%
Baptist Health	$4,313	1210%
First Health Ccn	$4,313	1210%
Health Choice	$4,313	1210%
Health Link Mississippi	$4,313	1210%
Healthscope Benefits Inc	$4,313	1210%
Tricare	$4,792	1344%

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 $X.
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 St Jude Childrens Research 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.