CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Seton Medical Center Harker Heights

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,121
Cash Discount Price: $287
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.15x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Seton Medical Center Harker Heights is $1,121. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $287. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 3.15x the Medicare baseline. Located in 850 W Central Texas Expressway, Harker Heights, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$287

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,121

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: $287 (81%)

Insurance Median: $1,121 (315%)

Cash: $287 (81% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,121 (315% 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 315% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 215%). 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
Healthscope Benefits [2290]	$517	145%
UnitedHealthcare	$517 - $1,121	145%
Aetna	$532 - $1,649	149%
Healthcare Highways [2210]	$1,121	315%
Medicaid / KanCare	$1,121 - $3,080	315%
Oncology Patient Assistance Programs [2295]	$1,121	315%
Selecthealth [3740]	$1,121	315%
Web Tpa [2115]	$1,121 - $2,299	315%
Humana	$1,880	527%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2,126	596%
First Care Commercial [1371]	$2,155	605%
Allied Benefit Systems Inc [1030]	$2,299	645%
Cigna	$2,488	698%

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 $287.
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 Seton Medical Center Harker Heights 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.