CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70551
  • Insurance Median: $2,422
  • Cash Discount Price: $3,391
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.94x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics is $2,422. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,391. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 9.94x the Medicare baseline. Located in 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$3,391

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$2,422

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: $3,391 (1391%)
Insurance Median: $2,422 (994%)
Cash: $3,391 (1391% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $2,422 (994% 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 994% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 894%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Immergrun $115 - $1,236 47%
One Call Medical, Inc. $150 - $900 62%
Aetna $179 - $3,808 73%
Iowa Total Care $179 - $1,978 73%
Medical Associates $179 - $2,472 73%
Molina Healthcare $179 - $1,978 73%
UnitedHealthcare $179 - $2,374 73%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $183 - $2,374 75%
Healthpartners $183 - $4,203 75%
American Health Plan $188 - $239 77%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup) $188 - $239 77%
Oscar Health $290 - $3,115 119%
Great River Health Systems $322 - $3,462 132%
Quad City Community Healthcare $345 - $3,709 142%
Sedgwick $368 - $3,956 151%
Global Excel $391 - $4,203 160%
Sanford Health Plan $391 - $4,203 160%
Employee Benefit Systems $405 - $4,450 166%
Sisco $405 - $4,352 166%
Healthsmart $414 - $4,450 170%
Hfn $423 - $4,549 174%
Multiplan $423 - $4,549 174%
Aplos Health Plan $513 - $3,956 210%
Midlands Choice $1,511 - $3,214 620%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
  • CMS Rating: ★★☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - State
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals