CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Trinity Muscatine

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $227
Cash Discount Price: $538
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.93x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Trinity Muscatine is $227. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $538. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.93x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1518 Mulberry Avenue, Muscatine, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$538

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$227

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: $538 (221%)

Insurance Median: $227 (93%)

Cash: $538 (221% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $227 (93% 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
Aetna	$65 - $739	27%
Ambetter / Centene	$65 - $357	27%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$65 - $585	27%
Health Alliance	$65 - $227	27%
Humana	$68 - $234	28%
Meridian Health Plan	$68 - $234	28%
UnitedHealthcare	$68 - $726	28%
Cigna	$137 - $1,391	56%
Bc Illinois Community	$139 - $1,232	57%
Health Partners Open Network	$143 - $887	59%
Wellmark Uph Self-Funded	$155 - $585	64%
Amerigroup	$209	86%
Iowa Total Care	$209	86%
Medica Exchange Inspire	$931	382%
Medica Exchange Insure	$1,042	427%

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 $538.
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 Trinity Muscatine 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.