CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Adventist Health Sierra Vista

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $4,488
Cash Discount Price: $1,098
vs. Medicare Baseline: 18.41x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Adventist Health Sierra Vista is $4,488. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,098. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 18.41x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1010 Murray St, San Luis Obispo, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,098

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$4,488

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: $1,098 (450%)

Insurance Median: $4,488 (1841%)

Cash: $1,098 (450% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $4,488 (1841% 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 1841% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1741%). 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
Aetna	$306	126%
Cencal Mcr Adv - All Other Plans	$306	126%
Tricare	$306	126%
UnitedHealthcare	$306 - $4,195	126%
Cfmg-Ca Forensic Med Grp Op/Profee Only-All Plans	$398	163%
Ah Employee Health Plan - All Plans	$551	226%
Hpn-Heritage Prov Ntwrk-All Plans	$4,147	1701%
Blue Shield Epn	$4,781	1961%
Blue Shield Hmo/Pos	$5,952	2442%
Nbd-Ntwrks By Design Exclus-All Other Plans	$6,458	2649%
Blue Shield Epo/Ppo-All Other Plans	$6,561	2691%
Nbd-Ntwrks By Design Non-Exclus	$7,043	2889%
Medi-Cal	$12,196	5003%
Cencal Mcal	$13,903	5703%
Blue Shield Promise Mcal	$14,660	6014%
Ccah-Centrl Ca Allince Mcal-All Plans	$15,855	6504%
Coalinga-All Plans	$15,855	6504%

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 $1,098.
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 Adventist Health Sierra Vista 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.