CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: University of Louisville Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,799
Cash Discount Price: $1,079
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.38x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at University of Louisville Hospital is $1,799. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,079. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 7.38x the Medicare baseline. Located in 530 South Jackson Street, Louisville, KY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,079

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,799

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: $1,079 (443%)

Insurance Median: $1,799 (738%)

Cash: $1,079 (443% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,799 (738% 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 738% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 638%). 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	$123 - $4,497	50%
Humana	$204 - $757	84%
Senior Care Community Of Ky	$215	88%
Cigna	$227	93%
Essence Health	$227	93%
Va Ccn	$227	93%
Signature	$233 - $2,248	96%
Communicare	$238	98%
Devoted	$238 - $1,349	98%
Passport	$238 - $2,248	98%
Wellcare	$263 - $300	108%
Velocity	$268 - $4,407	110%
Key Benefit Administrators	$295	121%
Aetna	$757	311%
UnitedHealthcare	$757 - $2,145	311%
Prime Group Health	$1,242 - $3,822	509%
Cshn	$2,923 - $4,497	1199%
Multiplan	$2,968 - $4,047	1218%
Encore	$3,148	1291%
Health Smart	$3,373	1384%
Omca	$4,272	1752%
Corvel	$4,497	1845%
National Comp Care	$4,497	1845%

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 $1,079.
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 University of Louisville 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.