CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Lawrence Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $187
Cash Discount Price: $650
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.77x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Lawrence Memorial Hospital is $187. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $650. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.77x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1309 West Main Street, Walnut Ridge, AR.

Cash / Self-Pay

$650

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$187

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: $650 (267%)

Insurance Median: $187 (77%)

Cash: $650 (267% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $187 (77% 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.

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
Ambetter / Centene	$64 - $789	26%
Humana	$64 - $613	26%
Allwell	$67 - $637	27%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$67 - $607	27%
Wellcare	$67 - $1,065	27%
Amerigroup	$68 - $607	28%
Arkansas Superior Select	$69 - $593	28%
Provider Partners Health Plans	$69 - $593	28%
Wellcare By Allwell	$69 - $593	28%
Wellcare Health Plans	$69 - $593	28%
Qualchoice	$73 - $789	30%
Qualchoice Of Arkansas	$75 - $734	31%
Cigna	$77 - $607	32%
Covenant Healthcare	$84 - $570	34%
Assured Benefits Administrators	$104 - $903	43%
Arkansas Total Care	$162 - $564	66%
Caresource	$168 - $931	69%
Empower Healthcare Solutions	$170 - $592	70%
Aetna	$852	350%
Healthlink	$990	406%

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 $650.
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 Lawrence Memorial 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.