CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (with and without contrast)

Facility: Lake Chelan Community Hospital

Billing Code: 70553 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70553
Insurance Median: $2,704
Cash Discount Price: $2,973
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.59x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (with and without contrast) at Lake Chelan Community Hospital is $2,704. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,973. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $356.43, this hospital’s rate is 7.59x the Medicare baseline. Located in 110 S Apple Blossom Dr, Chelan, WA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,973

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,704

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: $2,973 (834%)

Insurance Median: $2,704 (759%)

Cash: $2,973 (834% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,704 (759% 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 759% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 659%). 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
Medicare (plans)	$107 - $2,704	30%
Molina - All Plans	$107 - $4,543	30%
UnitedHealthcare	$107 - $4,572	30%
Coordinated Care Comm - All Other Plans	$138 - $4,826	39%
Premera First - All Plans	$146 - $3,687	41%
First Choice - All Plans	$154 - $4,671	43%
Amerigroup Op Only - All Plans	$194 - $2,873	54%
Coordinated Care Mcaid	$194 - $2,873	54%
Aetna	$926 - $4,425	260%
Corvel - All Plans	$977 - $4,671	274%
Multiplan - All Plans	$4,376	1228%

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 $2,973.
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 Lake Chelan Community 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.