CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Hillcrest

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,772
Cash Discount Price: $3,223
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.97x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Hillcrest is $1,772. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,223. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 4.97x the Medicare baseline. Located in 100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd, Waco, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,223

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,772

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: $3,223 (904%)

Insurance Median: $1,772 (497%)

Cash: $3,223 (904% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,772 (497% 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 497% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 397%). 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
Superior Health Plan	$333	93%
Baylor Scott & White Health Plan	$334 - $1,855	94%
Humana	$352 - $3,760	99%
Triwest	$352	99%
American Health Plan	$369	104%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$369 - $1,825	104%
Corvel	$369	104%
Prime Health Services	$369	104%
Procare Advantage	$369	104%
UnitedHealthcare	$405 - $2,621	114%
Injury Management Organization	$437	123%
Sedgwick	$526	148%
Imagine Health	$1,622	455%
Cigna	$1,711 - $2,013	480%
Texas Workforce Commission	$1,772	497%
University Of Mary Hardin-Baylor	$2,014	565%
Aetna	$2,954	829%
Midcoast	$2,954	829%
Quiktrip	$2,954	829%
Independent Medical System	$3,223	904%
Curative	$3,491	979%
First Health	$3,760	1055%
Healthsmart	$3,760 - $4,028	1055%
Private Health Care System	$4,028	1130%

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 $3,223.
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 Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Hillcrest 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.