CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Mercyone North Iowa Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70551
  • Insurance Median: $524
  • Cash Discount Price: $1,643
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.15x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Mercyone North Iowa Medical Center is $524. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,643. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.15x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 Fourth Street Sw, Mason City, IA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$1,643

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$524

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: $1,643 (674%)
Insurance Median: $524 (215%)
Cash: $1,643 (674% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $524 (215% 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 215% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 115%). 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
Aetna $114 - $1,327 47%
Medicare (plans) $114 - $262 47%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $115 - $524 47%
UnitedHealthcare $116 48%
Centivo $143 59%
Oscar $153 63%
Amish Hospital Aid $155 64%
Ambetter / Centene $196 80%
Claimdoc $234 96%
Nova $234 96%
Iowa Total Care $388 159%
Medicaid / KanCare $391 - $393 160%
Bcn Domestic $524 215%
Blue Benefit Administrators Of Massachusetts $524 215%
Blue Care Network $524 215%
Blue Distinction Transplant $524 215%
Blue Shield - Ca $524 215%
Blue Shield - Id (Regence) $524 215%
Blue Shield - Ny Highmark Northeastern $524 215%
Blue Shield - Ny Highmark Western $524 215%
Blue Shield - Pa (Highmark) $524 215%
Blue Shield - Wa (Regence) $524 215%
Kaiser Domestic $524 215%
Pre-Employment $524 215%
Wc Domestic $524 215%
Health Choices $647 265%
Medical Associates $647 265%
1199 National Benefit Fund $1,327 544%
Allied Benefit Systems $1,327 544%
Asr Health Benefits $1,327 544%
Christian Brother Services $1,327 544%
Coventry $1,327 544%
First Health $1,327 544%
Lucent Health $1,327 544%
Luminare Health $1,327 544%
Medical Mutual $1,327 544%
Meritain $1,327 544%
Trustmark Small Business Benefits $1,327 544%
Webtpa $1,327 544%
Preferred One $1,643 674%
Auxiant $1,770 726%
Cigna $1,770 726%
Medica $1,770 726%
Midlands $1,770 726%
Midlands Choice $1,770 726%
Mhnet $2,022 829%
Multiplan $2,275 933%
Crime Victim Assistance $2,528 1037%
Iowa Dept Of Public Health $2,528 1037%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 1000 Fourth Street Sw, Mason City, IA 50401
  • CMS Rating: ★★☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals