CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $2,057
Cash Discount Price: $2,204
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.44x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is $2,057. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,204. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 8.44x the Medicare baseline. Located in 995 9Th Avenue Southwest, Bessemer, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,204

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,057

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: $2,204 (904%)

Insurance Median: $2,057 (844%)

Cash: $2,204 (904% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,057 (844% 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 844% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 744%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$216	89%
Aetna	$218 - $2,057	89%
Cooper Green	$218	89%
Jefferson County Sheriff	$218	89%
Triwest	$218	89%
United Mine Workers	$218	89%
UnitedHealthcare	$218 - $1,538	89%
Cigna	$227 - $2,124	93%
Humana	$231 - $2,497	95%
Viva	$251 - $1,469	103%
Ambetter / Centene	$300	123%
Phcs	$1,763 - $2,057	723%
Beech Street	$1,822 - $2,057	747%
One Health Plan	$1,910	784%
Geha	$2,057	844%
Healthchoice	$2,057	844%
Alamed	$2,300	944%
Construction Claims Management	$2,377	975%
Multiplan	$2,409	988%
Corvel	$2,428 - $2,644	996%
Novanet	$2,453	1006%
Department Of Labor	$2,556	1049%
Heritage Summit Health	$2,556	1049%
Pnoa	$2,644	1085%
Three Rivers	$2,644	1085%

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 $2,204.
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 Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System 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.