MRI, brain (no contrast)
Facility: F W Huston Medical Center
Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70551
- Insurance Median: $1,446
- Cash Discount Price: $1,502
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.93x 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.
Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)
The negotiated rate at this facility is 593% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 493%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $526 | 216% |
| Aetna | $1,408 | 578% |
| Humana | $1,484 | 609% |
| Cigna | $1,596 | 655% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the MRI, brain (no contrast) procedure at F W Huston Medical Center in Winchester, KS, the facility's cash price of $1,502 is lower than the median negotiated rates for major payers like Aetna ($1,408), Humana ($1,484), and Cigna ($1,596), and significantly below the gross charge of $1,878. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital with a voluntary non-profit ownership structure, patients with high-deductible plans may find paying the cash price upfront more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the negotiated rates often exceed the cash amount. It is important to note that the cash price is also lower than the Medicare benchmark of $243.77 when adjusted for the specific context of this facility's pricing model, though the direct comparison to the gross charge highlights the potential savings available through self-pay options.
To maximize savings, patients should explicitly request a "prompt-pay" discount before scheduling, which can reduce the bill by 20% to 50% if paid in full within 30 days, bypassing the administrative costs associated with insurance claims. If you are using insurance, be aware that the facility's allowed amount for Blue Cross Blue Shield is $526, which is substantially lower than the cash price, but ensure you understand your deductible status before relying on this rate. Furthermore, if you receive a bill that includes charges for services not rendered or unbundled components, you should request a formal itemized audit to verify accuracy, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors that can be corrected through written dispute. Always confirm whether the facility is in