MRI, brain (no contrast)
Facility: Kingman Healthcare Center
Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 70551
- Insurance Median: $191
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.78x 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 | $191 | 78% |
| Healthy Blue | $191 | 78% |
| Aetna | $900 | 369% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the MRI of the brain without contrast at Kingman Healthcare Center in Kingman, KS, the median negotiated rate across three payers is $191. This rate is significantly lower than the facility's Medicare benchmark of $243.77, reflecting the contractual agreements that keep in-network costs predictable for members. While the facility is a Critical Access Hospital owned by a voluntary non-profit, patients should be aware that cash prices are not always the lowest option; in some cases, paying cash upfront can be cheaper if your insurance plan has a high deductible or if the negotiated rate exceeds the cash price. To secure the best possible price, it is essential to verify your specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling and to ask the billing department directly about any "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts that may apply if you choose to pay in full.
The data indicates that the facility's negotiated rates are consistent across all three payers, with both Medicaid/KanCare and Healthy Blue reporting a single plan rate of $191, while Aetna reports a rate of $900. This variation highlights the importance of checking your specific insurance carrier rather than assuming a standard rate applies to all plans. Since the facility is located in a Critical Access Hospital setting, federal protections under the No Surprises Act may prevent balance billing for out-of-network services, but patients should still request an itemized bill to ensure no unexpected charges exist. If you receive a bill that seems higher than the $191 median, you should request a formal written audit to identify any errors, unbundled codes, or services that were not rendered, as over 80% of hospital bills contain discrepancies that can be resolved through careful review