CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Buchanan County Health Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70551
  • Insurance Median: $3,386
  • Cash Discount Price: $3,363
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 13.89x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Buchanan County Health Center is $3,386. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,363. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 13.89x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1600 First St East, Independence, IA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$3,363

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$3,386

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: $3,363 (1380%)
Insurance Median: $3,386 (1389%)
Cash: $3,363 (1380% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $3,386 (1389% 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 1389% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1289%). 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
Champus $1,424 - $3,386 584%
Health Partners $1,424 - $3,386 584%
Wellpoint Iowa $1,424 - $3,956 584%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $1,978 - $3,386 811%
Cigna $3,284 1347%
Aetna $3,386 - $3,560 1389%
Humana $3,386 1389%
UnitedHealthcare $3,386 - $3,521 1389%
Iowa Total Care $3,956 1623%
Molina Healthcare $3,956 1623%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 1600 First St East, Independence, IA 50644
  • CMS Rating: No CMS Rating
  • Ownership Type: Government - Local
  • Hospital Type: Critical Access Hospitals