CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: USA Health University Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $869
Cash Discount Price: $1,738
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.56x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at USA Health University Hospital is $869. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,738. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 3.56x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2451 Fillingim Street, Mobile, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,738

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$869

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$243.77

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $243.77 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $1,738 (713%)

Insurance Median: $869 (356%)

Cash: $1,738 (713% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $869 (356% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $243.77 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 356% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 256%). 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
Central Healthcare Services	$109 - $1,733	45%
Magnolia Health	$182	75%
Truecare	$182	75%
UnitedHealthcare	$182 - $1,872	75%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$191	78%
Aetna	$195 - $1,906	80%
Cigna	$195 - $1,650	80%
Devoted Health	$195 - $2,426	80%
Humana	$195 - $2,253	80%
Viva Health	$195 - $1,733	80%
Wellcare	$195	80%
Molina Chip	$200	82%
Molina Marketplace	$215	88%
Ambetter / Centene	$234	96%
Mississippi Physicians Care Network (Mpcn)	$264	108%
Multiplan	$1,130 - $3,119	464%
Naphcare	$1,217 - $2,426	499%
Novanet	$1,564 - $3,119	642%

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 $1,738.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70551.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm USA Health University Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70551.
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.