CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Adventist Health Mendocino Coast

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $439
Cash Discount Price: $1,362
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.80x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Adventist Health Mendocino Coast is $439. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,362. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.80x the Medicare baseline. Located in 700 River Drive, Fort Bragg, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,362

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$439

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: $1,362 (559%)

Insurance Median: $439 (180%)

Cash: $1,362 (559% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $439 (180% 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	$69 - $3,006	28%
Tricare	$69 - $1,888	28%
UnitedHealthcare	$69 - $3,119	28%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$75 - $2,882	31%
Ah Employee Health Plan - All Plans	$76 - $2,004	31%
Healthnet - All Plans	$101 - $2,509	41%
Blue Shield Epn	$127 - $1,457	52%
Blue Shield - All Other Plans	$134 - $2,960	55%
Medi-Cal	$190 - $439	78%
Ahcc - All Plans	$274 - $3,469	112%
Beech Street - All Plans	$274 - $3,469	112%
Great West Hmo/Pos/Epo/Oa	$274 - $2,505	112%
Great West Ppo - All Other Plans	$274 - $2,698	112%
Multiplan - All Plans	$274 - $2,698	112%
Partnership Hp Mcal-All Plans	$274 - $1,317	112%

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 $1,362.
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 Mendocino Coast 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.