CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Central Vermont Medical Center

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $354
Cash Discount Price: $6,317
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.99x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Central Vermont Medical Center is $354. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $6,317. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 0.99x the Medicare baseline. Located in Box 547, Barre, VT.

Cash / Self-Pay

$6,317

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$354

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: $6,317 (1772%)

Insurance Median: $354 (99%)

Cash: $6,317 (1772% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $354 (99% 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
Humana	$101 - $2,571	28%
Aetna	$103 - $354	29%
Coventry	$103 - $5,496	29%
Martins Point	$103 - $4,043	29%
UnitedHealthcare	$103 - $6,279	29%
Veterans Affairs Community Care Network	$103 - $354	29%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$105 - $4,147	29%
Mvp	$105 - $5,837	29%
Capital District Physicians' Health Plan	$167 - $5,053	47%
Wellpath	$180 - $3,474	51%
Cigna	$258 - $5,976	72%
Harvard Pilgrim	$261 - $5,053	73%

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 $6,317.
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 Central Vermont 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.