CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Medical City Alliance

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $616
Cash Discount Price: $12,380
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.73x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Medical City Alliance is $616. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $12,380. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 1.73x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3101 North Tarrant Parkway, Fort Worth, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$12,380

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$616

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: $12,380 (3473%)

Insurance Median: $616 (173%)

Cash: $12,380 (3473% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $616 (173% 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.

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
Amerigroup	$328	92%
Cook Childrens Health Plan	$328	92%
Parkland Community Health Plan	$328	92%
United	$328 - $2,810	92%
Cigna	$345 - $1,733	97%
Aetna	$354 - $9,001	99%
Molina	$361 - $367	101%
Humana	$410 - $1,062	115%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$481 - $5,497	135%
Superior Health Plan	$867	243%
Healthcare Highways	$4,185	1174%
Healthsmart Preferred Care	$9,285	2605%
Independent Medical Systems	$12,380	3473%
National Healthcare Solutions	$12,380	3473%

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 $12,380.
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 City Alliance 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.