CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Tacoma General Allenmore Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $1,336
Cash Discount Price: $1,804
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.75x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Tacoma General Allenmore Hospital is $1,336. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,804. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 3.75x the Medicare baseline. Located in 315 S Mlk Jr Way, Tacoma, WA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,804

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,336

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: $1,804 (506%)

Insurance Median: $1,336 (375%)

Cash: $1,804 (506% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,336 (375% 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 375% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 275%). 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
Molina	$317 - $734	89%
Community Health Plan Of Washington	$342 - $669	96%
Coordinated Care	$342	96%
UnitedHealthcare	$342 - $1,969	96%
Wellpoint	$342	96%
Aetna	$409 - $1,666	115%
Regence	$409	115%
Wellcare	$417	117%
Premera	$690 - $1,766	194%
Ambetter / Centene	$793	222%
First Choice	$1,336 - $2,429	375%
Pacificsource	$1,403 - $2,025	394%
Kaiser	$2,149	603%
First Health	$2,927 - $3,658	821%
Multiplan/Phcs	$2,927 - $3,658	821%
Cigna	$3,448	967%

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 $1,804.
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 Tacoma General Allenmore 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.