CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: St Mary's Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,111
Cash Discount Price: $794
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.56x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at St Mary's Hospital is $1,111. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $794. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 4.56x the Medicare baseline. Located in 701 Lewiston St, Cottonwood, ID.

Cash / Self-Pay

$794

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,111

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: $794 (326%)

Insurance Median: $1,111 (456%)

Cash: $794 (326% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,111 (456% 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 456% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 356%). 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
Nimiipuu Mcr Adv - Allplans	$65 - $1,602	27%
Regence Blue Shield Mcr	$65 - $1,586	27%
Tricare	$65 - $1,586	27%
UnitedHealthcare	$65 - $1,586	27%
Veterans Admin - All Plans	$65 - $1,586	27%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$75 - $1,857	31%
Medicare (plans)	$75 - $1,586	31%
Aetna	$104 - $1,799	43%
Idaho Phys Network - All Plans	$175 - $1,837	72%
Multiplan - All Plans	$177 - $1,876	73%
Geha - All Plans	$178 - $1,876	73%
First Choice- All Plans	$180 - $1,895	74%
Corizon Correctional - All Plans	$201 - $1,857	82%
Regence Blue Shield - All Other Plans	$1,934	793%

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 $794.
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 St Mary's Hospital 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.