CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Morton Plant Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,766
Cash Discount Price: $2,672
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.24x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Morton Plant Hospital is $1,766. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,672. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 7.24x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Pinellas St, Clearwater, FL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,672

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,766

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: $2,672 (1096%)

Insurance Median: $1,766 (724%)

Cash: $2,672 (1096% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,766 (724% 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 724% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 624%). 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 Health Alliance	$155	64%
UnitedHealthcare	$156 - $4,008	64%
Humana	$159 - $303	65%
Freedom Health	$161	66%
Molina Healthcare	$161	66%
Simply Healthcare	$161 - $802	66%
Sunshine Health	$161	66%
Aetna	$164 - $3,629	67%
Florida Community Care	$168	69%
Baycareplus	$243	100%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$243 - $2,357	100%
Solis Health	$267	110%
Cigna	$279 - $3,874	114%
Wellcare	$340	139%
Ambetter / Centene	$546 - $4,453	224%
Molina	$802 - $2,632	329%
Freedom	$891	366%
Optimum	$891	366%
Careplus	$1,018	418%
Ultimate Health Plan	$1,336	548%
Avmed	$1,380 - $2,182	566%
Evolutions	$2,226 - $4,141	913%
First Health	$3,785	1553%
Multiplan	$4,008	1644%
United Behavioral Health	$4,453	1827%

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 $2,672.
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 Morton Plant 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.