CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Parkland Health & Hospital System

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,851
Cash Discount Price: $2,743
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.19x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Parkland Health & Hospital System is $1,851. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,743. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 5.19x the Medicare baseline. Located in 5200 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,743

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,851

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: $2,743 (770%)

Insurance Median: $1,851 (519%)

Cash: $2,743 (770% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,851 (519% 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 519% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 419%). 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
Aetna	$328 - $5,313	92%
Wellpoint [1007]	$328 - $1,595	92%
Cook Children Health Plan [1380]	$345	97%
Parkland Community Health Plan [1056]	$345 - $1,674	97%
Superior Health Plan [1402]	$345	97%
Molina [1382]	$361 - $1,754	101%
Point Comfort Underwriters [1801]	$361	101%
Care Improvement Plus [1104]	$1,016 - $1,851	285%
Procare Advantage [2104]	$1,031 - $1,877	289%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,111 - $6,376	312%
Superior Healthplan [1383]	$1,282	360%
Cigna	$2,285 - $5,313	641%
Great West Healthcare [1037]	$2,917 - $5,313	818%
UnitedHealthcare	$3,242 - $5,906	910%

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 $2,743.
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 Parkland Health & Hospital System 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.