CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Montrose Regional Health

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $541
Cash Discount Price: $537
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.22x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Montrose Regional Health is $541. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $537. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.22x the Medicare baseline. Located in 800 S 3Rd St, Montrose, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$537

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$541

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: $537 (220%)

Insurance Median: $541 (222%)

Cash: $537 (220% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $541 (222% 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 222% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 122%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$60 - $2,354	25%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$69 - $2,329	28%
Humana	$69 - $2,354	28%
Medicare (plans)	$69 - $270	28%
Montrose Community Healthplan-All Plans	$96 - $2,106	39%
United Rocky Mountain Chp-All Other Plans	$114 - $1,066	47%
United Rocky Mountain Private Plan	$115 - $2,292	47%
United Rocky Mountain Self Insured	$115 - $2,354	47%
Sloans Lake Managed Care-All Plans	$139 - $2,360	57%
Three Rivers-All Plans	$217 - $2,354	89%
Western Healthcare Alliance-All Plans	$217 - $2,230	89%
Cigna	$229 - $2,354	94%
Multiplan-All Plans	$229 - $2,354	94%
Uchpa - All Plans	$229 - $2,354	94%
United Rocky Mountain Mcaid	$229 - $1,700	94%

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 $537.
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 Montrose Regional Health 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.