CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Cherokee Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $2,201
Cash Discount Price: $1,981
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.03x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Cherokee Regional Medical Center is $2,201. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,981. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 9.03x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Sioux Valley Drive, Cherokee, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,981

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,201

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: $1,981 (813%)

Insurance Median: $2,201 (903%)

Cash: $1,981 (813% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,201 (903% 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 903% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 803%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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	$1,167 - $2,201	479%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,167 - $2,201	479%
Health Partners	$1,167 - $2,201	479%
Humana	$1,167 - $2,201	479%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,167 - $2,201	479%
Wellpoint	$1,167 - $2,201	479%
Iowa Total Care	$1,211 - $2,201	497%
Molina	$1,211 - $2,201	497%
Admin Concepts	$2,201	903%
American Republic	$2,201	903%
Apw	$2,201	903%
Auxiant	$2,201	903%
Avera	$2,201	903%
Bankers Life	$2,201	903%
Champus	$2,201	903%
Cigna	$2,201	903%
Liability	$2,201	903%
Meridian	$2,201	903%
Meritain	$2,201	903%
Midlands	$2,201	903%
Mutual Of Omaha	$2,201	903%
Occunet	$2,201	903%
Physicians Mutual	$2,201	903%
Private Healthcare	$2,201	903%
Sanford	$2,201	903%
United American	$2,201	903%

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 $1,981.
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 Cherokee Regional Medical Center 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.