CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Buena Vista Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,701
Cash Discount Price: $1,403
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.98x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center is $1,701. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,403. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 6.98x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1525 West 5Th Street, Storm Lake, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,403

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,701

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: $1,403 (576%)

Insurance Median: $1,701 (698%)

Cash: $1,403 (576% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,701 (698% 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 698% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 598%). 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
Ambetter / Centene	$930 - $1,754	382%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$930 - $1,754	382%
Champus	$930	382%
Champva	$930	382%
Health Partners	$930 - $1,754	382%
Iowa Health Advantage	$930 - $1,754	382%
Medicare (plans)	$930 - $1,754	382%
UnitedHealthcare	$930 - $1,754	382%
Wellcare	$930 - $1,754	382%
American Postal Workers	$1,403	576%
Avera	$1,491	612%
Cigna	$1,579	648%
Aetna	$1,701 - $1,754	698%
First Administrators	$1,701	698%
Golden Rule	$1,701	698%
Great West	$1,701	698%
Healthscope	$1,701	698%
Medical Associates	$1,701	698%
Meritain	$1,701	698%
Midlands Choice	$1,701	698%
Humana	$1,754	720%
Wellpoint	$1,754	720%

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 $1,403.
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 Buena Vista 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.