CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70551
  • Insurance Median: $381
  • Cash Discount Price: $2,068
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.56x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Mercyone Waterloo Medical Center is $381. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,068. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.56x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3421 West Ninth Street, Waterloo, IA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$2,068

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$381

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: $2,068 (848%)
Insurance Median: $381 (156%)
Cash: $2,068 (848% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $381 (156% 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.

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 $225 - $918 92%
Medicare (plans) $225 - $234 92%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $227 - $244 93%
Iowa Total Care $229 94%
UnitedHealthcare $229 - $3,182 94%
Medicaid / KanCare $231 - $232 95%
Bcn Domestic $244 100%
Blue Benefit Administrators Of Massachusetts $244 100%
Blue Care Network $244 100%
Blue Distinction Transplant $244 100%
Blue Shield - Ca $244 100%
Blue Shield - Id (Regence) $244 100%
Blue Shield - Ny Highmark Northeastern $244 100%
Blue Shield - Ny Highmark Western $244 100%
Blue Shield - Pa (Highmark) $244 100%
Blue Shield - Wa (Regence) $244 100%
Kaiser Domestic $244 100%
Pre-Employment $244 100%
Wc Domestic $244 100%
Amish Hospital Aid $305 125%
Oscar $352 144%
Centivo $381 156%
Ambetter / Centene $385 158%
Claimdoc $461 189%
Nova $461 189%
Geha $525 215%
Health Choices $748 307%
Medical Associates $748 307%
Allied Benefit Systems $918 377%
Asr Health Benefits $918 377%
Christian Brother Services $918 377%
Coventry $918 377%
First Health $918 377%
Lucent Health $918 377%
Luminare Health $918 377%
Medical Mutual $918 377%
Meritain $918 377%
Webtpa $918 377%
Health Partners $2,087 856%
Auxiant $2,259 927%
Cigna $2,259 927%
Medica $2,259 927%
Midlands $2,259 927%
Midlands Choice $2,259 927%
Iowa Dept Of Public Health $3,182 1305%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 3421 West Ninth Street, Waterloo, IA 50702
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Church
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals