CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Adventist Health Howard Memorial

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $225
Cash Discount Price: $705
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.92x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Adventist Health Howard Memorial is $225. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $705. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.92x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1 Marcela Dr, Willits, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$705

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$225

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: $705 (289%)

Insurance Median: $225 (92%)

Cash: $705 (289% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $225 (92% 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
Cigna	$39 - $3,762	16%
Blue Shield Mcare	$55 - $885	23%
Medicare (plans)	$55 - $894	23%
Tricare	$55 - $885	23%
UnitedHealthcare	$60 - $3,425	25%
Ah Employee Health Plan - All Plans	$76 - $2,302	31%
Healthnet - All Plans	$101 - $3,629	41%
Western Growers/Pinnacle - All Plans	$106 - $3,320	43%
Blue Shield - All Other Plans	$134 - $3,032	55%
Aetna	$184 - $2,969	75%
Blue Shield Epn	$187 - $3,027	77%
Medi-Cal	$190 - $439	78%
First Health Ppo - All Plans	$219 - $3,541	90%
Ghn Ppo - All Plans	$219 - $3,541	90%
Brms - All Plans	$233 - $3,762	96%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,658 - $1,990	680%

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 $705.
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 Howard Memorial 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.