CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Medical Center Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,145
Cash Discount Price: $2,458
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.21x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Medical Center Hospital is $1,145. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,458. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 3.21x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 W 4Th Street, Odessa, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,458

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,145

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: $2,458 (690%)

Insurance Median: $1,145 (321%)

Cash: $2,458 (690% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,145 (321% 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 321% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 221%). 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
Corvel Wc	$266 - $312	75%
Medicaid / KanCare	$328 - $345	92%
Superior Chips	$328	92%
UnitedHealthcare	$328 - $3,841	92%
Aetna	$335 - $2,535	94%
Humana	$335	94%
Novitas Solutions	$345	97%
Triwest Va Ccn	$345	97%
Care Improvement Plus	$350	98%
Ambetter / Centene	$362 - $369	102%
Wellcare By Allwell	$362	102%
Amerigroup	$369	104%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$369 - $1,652	104%
Community Health Choice	$369	104%
First Care Health Plan	$369	104%
Superior Health Plan	$369	104%
Group Resources	$421	118%
Workers Comp	$701	197%
Caprock	$775 - $1,844	217%
Healthsmart Preferred Care	$847 - $2,305	238%
Geha	$1,050	295%
Firstcare	$1,150 - $2,689	323%
Health Select	$1,333 - $1,652	374%
Cigna	$1,568 - $1,944	440%
90 Degree Benefits	$1,844	517%
State Comptroller	$1,920	539%
Texas Mutual Wc	$2,535	711%

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 $2,458.
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 Medical Center 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.