CPT 70553 Radiology
MRI brain with and without contrast Cost
Body System: Nervous
Medicare Facility Rate
$118
CMS PFS CY2026
Medicare Non-Facility Rate
$438
Office/clinic setting
Hospital Outpatient
$356
OPPS rate
Surgery Center (ASC)
$193
ASC rate
Relative Value Units (RVUs)
Medicare payment = Total RVU × Conversion Factor ($33.40 for CY 2026)
1.48
Work RVU
2.05
Facility PE RVU
0.12
Malpractice RVU
Cost by Location
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $369 | $480 — $738 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $286 | $372 — $573 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $282 | $367 — $565 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $310 | $404 — $621 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $341 | $443 — $682 |
| CA — CHICO | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — FRESNO | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $363 | $472 — $727 |
| CA — MADERA | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — MERCED | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — MODESTO | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — NAPA | $396 | $515 — $793 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $362 | $471 — $724 |
| CA — REDDING | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO-ONTARIO | $342 | $445 — $684 |
| CA — SACRAMENTO-ROSEVILLE-FOLSOM | $358 | $465 — $715 |
| CA — SALINAS | $356 | $463 — $713 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does MRI brain with and without contrast cost?
The Medicare facility rate is $118. Commercial insurance typically pays 150-250% of Medicare rates (varies). Hospital outpatient rate: $356. Ambulatory surgery center rate: $193.
How much does MRI brain with and without contrast cost without insurance?
Without insurance, you may pay the hospital's chargemaster rate, which is often 300-500% of Medicare. Ask about cash-pay discounts — many facilities offer 20-40% off for self-pay patients. The Medicare baseline for this procedure is $118.