CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $2,469
Cash Discount Price: $3,036
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.13x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center is $2,469. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,036. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 10.13x the Medicare baseline. Located in 751 Medical Center Court, Chula Vista, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,036

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,469

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: $3,036 (1245%)

Insurance Median: $2,469 (1013%)

Cash: $3,036 (1245% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,469 (1013% 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 1013% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 913%). 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
Epic Americas	$256	105%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$607 - $3,643	249%
Health Net	$607 - $3,319	249%
Interplan	$1,133	465%
California Health And Wellness	$1,599	656%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,619 - $2,287	664%
Kaiser	$1,939	795%
Blue Shield	$1,988 - $2,834	816%
Molina	$2,024 - $2,583	830%
Aetna	$2,287 - $3,643	938%
Humana	$2,469	1013%
County Medical Services	$2,530	1038%
San Diego Pace	$2,655	1089%
Medicare (plans)	$2,685 - $3,643	1101%
Cigna	$2,834	1163%
Managed Health Network	$2,834	1163%
Multiplan	$2,834	1163%

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 $3,036.
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 Sharp Chula Vista 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.