CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: St Elizabeth Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $3,164
Cash Discount Price: $2,883
vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.98x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at St Elizabeth Hospital is $3,164. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,883. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 12.98x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 Lincoln St, Fort Morgan, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,883

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,164

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: $2,883 (1183%)

Insurance Median: $3,164 (1298%)

Cash: $2,883 (1183% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,164 (1298% 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 1298% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1198%). 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	$130 - $6,990	53%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$130 - $1,100	53%
Cigna	$130 - $6,990	53%
Denver Health	$130 - $3,164	53%
Devoted Health	$130	53%
Humana	$130	53%
Kaiser	$130	53%
Medicare (plans)	$130	53%
UnitedHealthcare	$130 - $6,219	53%
Centura Employee Plan	$543	223%
United Colorado Doctor'S Plan	$5,599	2297%
Direct To Employer	$5,909	2424%
Multiplan	$6,774 - $6,990	2779%

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 $2,883.
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 St Elizabeth Hospital 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.