MRI, brain (no contrast)
Facility: Lmh
Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70551
- Insurance Median: $240
- Cash Discount Price: $1,062
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.98x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $90 - $2,821 | 37% |
| Medicare (plans) | $90 - $240 | 37% |
| Humana | $90 - $240 | 37% |
| Cigna | $90 - $2,838 | 37% |
| Haskell Indian Health Services | $105 - $240 | 43% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $105 - $2,749 | 43% |
| Allwell | $107 - $245 | 44% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $107 - $372 | 44% |
| Aetna | $1,721 - $3,526 | 706% |
| Non Contracted | $3,399 | 1394% |
| First Health | $3,951 | 1621% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a 2026 MRI of the brain without contrast at Lmh in Lawrence, KS, the cash median price is $1,062, which is significantly lower than the facility's gross charge of $4,249. While the facility's negotiated rates vary by payer, with the highest commercial high rate at $2,838 for Cigna and the lowest at $90 for several plans, the cash price of $1,062 remains a strong benchmark for patients. Notably, the Medicare amount of $243.77 serves as a baseline for cost comparison, and patients should be aware that cash payment can sometimes result in lower out-of-pocket costs than the negotiated rates their insurance plans might apply, particularly if their deductible has not yet been met.
The facility, a government-owned acute care hospital, lists a facility rating of 4 and operates in Lawrence, KS, with 11 distinct payers included in this pricing data. When evaluating costs, it is important to understand that prompt-pay discounts, which typically range from 20% to 50%, may further reduce the $1,062 cash price if paid upfront within 30 days, bypassing the administrative overhead associated with insurance claims. Additionally, patients should request an itemized billing audit to ensure no unbundled codes or services not rendered are included, as summary bills often obscure the true cost. If balance billing occurs due to out-of-network ancillary services, the No Surprises Act provides protections, and patients should dispute any unexpected charges rather than paying immediately to avoid financial strain.