MRI, brain (no contrast)
Facility: Kansas Medical Center Llc
Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70551
- Insurance Median: $220
- Cash Discount Price: $710
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.90x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid / KanCare | $131 | 54% |
| Tricare | $198 | 81% |
| Indian Health | $198 | 81% |
| Humana | $220 | 90% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $220 | 90% |
| Medadv_Wellcare | $220 | 90% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $220 - $503 | 90% |
| Three_Rivers | $440 | 180% |
| Wppa | $473 | 194% |
| United | $850 | 349% |
| Aetna | $900 | 369% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For this MRI of the brain (no contrast) at Kansas Medical Center Llc in Andover, the facility's cash price of $710 is significantly higher than the state average of $546. While the facility's negotiated rates for commercial insurers range from $131 to $900 depending on the plan, these amounts are generally lower than the cash price, though some high-deductible patients might find the cash option more favorable if their insurance allowed amount exceeds $710. It is important to note that the facility's negotiated rate of $220 is well below the state average, suggesting that for most insured patients, the contracted rate will be the most economical choice. However, patients should verify their specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling, as in-network rates vary widely and do not always represent the lowest possible cost.
The facility's billing practices align with standard industry norms, with a Medicare benchmark of $243.77 serving as the objective baseline for pricing evaluation. The facility's cash rate of $710 represents a markup relative to this federal standard, which is common for acute care hospitals in Kansas. To minimize costs, patients should inquire directly about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the final bill by 20% to 50% if paid in full upfront. Additionally, since over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, consumers are advised to request a detailed, itemized statement before making any payments to ensure no unbundled codes or services not rendered are included in the total.