CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Palos Community Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $4,304
Cash Discount Price: $3,887
vs. Medicare Baseline: 17.66x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Palos Community Hospital is $4,304. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,887. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 17.66x the Medicare baseline. Located in 12251 South 80Th Avenue, Palos Heights, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,887

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$4,304

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: $3,887 (1595%)

Insurance Median: $4,304 (1766%)

Cash: $3,887 (1595% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $4,304 (1766% 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 1766% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1666%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$888 - $5,553	364%
Aetna	$1,194 - $5,553	490%
Carelon Behavioral Health [159]	$2,776	1139%
Healthlink [125]	$2,776 - $5,553	1139%
Magellan Behavioral Hlth [136]	$3,332	1367%
The Alliance [1703]	$3,567	1463%
Compsych [112]	$4,165	1709%
First Health Plan [6034]	$4,165	1709%
Beechstreet [176]	$4,442	1822%
Cigna	$4,442 - $5,553	1822%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$4,720	1936%
Galaxy Health Network [220]	$5,553	2278%
Global Excel [1712]	$5,553	2278%
Health Alliance [181]	$5,553	2278%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$5,553	2278%
UnitedHealthcare	$5,553	2278%

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 $3,887.
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 Palos Community 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.