CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Sterling Regional Medcenter

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,564
Cash Discount Price: $638
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.42x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Sterling Regional Medcenter is $1,564. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $638. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 6.42x the Medicare baseline. Located in 615 Fairhurst St, Sterling, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$638

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,564

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: $638 (262%)

Insurance Median: $1,564 (642%)

Cash: $638 (262% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,564 (642% 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 642% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 542%). 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
Clear Spring Health	$243	100%
UnitedHealthcare	$243 - $1,779	100%
Longevity	$250	103%
Humana	$258	106%
Devoted Health Services	$267	110%
Pinnacol Assurance Workers Comp	$381 - $912	156%
Aetna	$524 - $1,746	215%
Banner Health	$582	239%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$582 - $2,059	239%
Healthspring Life & Health Insurance Company, Inc.	$582	239%
Medica	$582 - $1,564	239%
Medicare (plans)	$582	239%
Assist Health Group	$698	286%
Denver Health Medical Plan	$1,137	466%
Apostrophe, Inc.	$1,689	693%
First Choice Health Network	$1,689	693%
First Choice Of The Midwest	$1,783	731%
Hue Health, Inc	$1,783	731%
Rocky Mountain Health Plans	$1,783	731%
Multiplan	$1,821	747%

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 $638.
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 Sterling Regional Medcenter 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.