CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: City of Hope National Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $2,046
Cash Discount Price: $2,923
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.39x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at City of Hope National Medical Center is $2,046. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,923. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 8.39x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1500 Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,923

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,046

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: $2,923 (1199%)

Insurance Median: $2,046 (839%)

Cash: $2,923 (1199% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,046 (839% 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 839% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 739%). 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
Health Net	$131 - $2,835	54%
Cal Optima	$150 - $266	62%
Heritage Provider Network	$188 - $2,046	77%
Inland Empire	$188 - $2,338	77%
Prime Healthcare Keenan	$263 - $2,806	108%
Healthcare Partners	$700	287%
Aetna	$1,093	448%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,146 - $1,637	470%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,461 - $3,167	599%
Blue Shield	$1,730 - $3,484	710%
Blue Shield Covca	$1,777	729%
Blue Shield Promise	$2,046	839%
Cencal	$2,338	959%
La Care Health	$2,338	959%
Kaiser	$2,630	1079%
Gold Coast	$2,922	1199%
Molina	$2,922 - $3,799	1199%
Cigna	$3,139	1288%
Facey	$3,215	1319%
St. Joseph Heritage	$3,507	1439%
Primecare Medical Network	$3,799	1558%
First Health	$4,501	1846%
Phcs Multiplan	$5,260	2158%

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 $2,923.
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 City of Hope National Medical Center 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.