CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Ascension Sacred Heart Bay

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $250
Cash Discount Price: $900
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.03x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay is $250. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $900. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.03x the Medicare baseline. Located in 615 N Bonita Ave, Panama City, FL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$900

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$250

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: $900 (369%)

Insurance Median: $250 (103%)

Cash: $900 (369% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $250 (103% 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
Blue Mcr Replacement	$243	100%
Facility Billing - Op	$243	100%
Medicare (plans)	$243	100%
Wellcare	$243	100%
Healthspring Mcr Replacement	$245 - $247	101%
UnitedHealthcare	$245 - $525	101%
Aetna	$250 - $1,678	103%
Humana	$250	103%
Smarthealth	$340	139%
Encompass Health Rehabilitation	$364	149%
Oscar Health Plan	$388	159%
Ambetter / Centene	$400	164%
Occunet	$449 - $546	184%
Cigna	$1,238	508%

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 $900.
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 Ascension Sacred Heart Bay 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.