CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Lewisgale Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $6,747
Cash Discount Price: $11,245
vs. Medicare Baseline: 18.93x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Lewisgale Medical Center is $6,747. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $11,245. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 18.93x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1900 Electric Road, Salem, VA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$11,245

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$6,747

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: $11,245 (3155%)

Insurance Median: $6,747 (1893%)

Cash: $11,245 (3155% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $6,747 (1893% 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 1893% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1793%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$480 - $1,656	135%
United	$828 - $5,060	232%
Cigna	$1,957	549%
Lifeworks	$2,137	600%
Universal Healthcare Group	$2,474	694%
Aetna	$2,994 - $4,644	840%
Virginia Health Network	$3,936 - $7,984	1104%
Naphcare	$5,622	1577%
Greenvbrier Sporting Club	$6,747	1893%
Graham-White Manufacturing	$7,872	2209%
Richfield Nursing Center	$7,872	2209%
Corvel	$8,096	2271%
Community Care Network	$8,434	2366%
Richfield Retirement Community	$8,434	2366%
Csx Hotels	$8,996	2524%
Occunet Workers Comp	$8,996	2524%
One Health Plan	$8,996	2524%
Patients Choice	$9,896	2776%
4Most	$10,120	2839%
Alleghany Highland Community	$10,120	2839%
American Postal Workers Union	$10,120	2839%
C&O Employees Hospital Assn	$10,120	2839%
Multiplan	$10,120	2839%
Phcs	$10,120	2839%
Star Transportation	$10,120	2839%

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 $11,245.
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 Lewisgale Medical Center 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.