CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $370
Cash Discount Price: $479
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.52x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport is $370. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $479. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.52x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1541 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$479

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$370

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: $479 (196%)

Insurance Median: $370 (152%)

Cash: $479 (196% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $370 (152% 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.

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
Humana	$219 - $370	90%
(Healthy Louisiana) And Healthy Blue Dual Advantage (Hmo-D-Snp)	$227	93%
Aetna	$227 - $1,038	93%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$227 - $793	93%
Medicare (plans)	$227	93%
UnitedHealthcare	$227 - $1,544	93%
Vantage Health Plan - Commercial	$250	103%
Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana (Healthy Louisiana)	$370	152%
Healthy Blue (Formerly Amerigroup Louisiana Inc.)	$370	152%
Louisiana Healthcare Connections (Healthy Louisiana)	$370	152%
Zelis	$387	159%
Healthcomp Ppo (Formerly Gilsbar 360	$567	233%
Verity Health Network – Lsu First Choice	$601	247%
First Health Network	$1,038	426%
Cigna	$1,055	433%
Multiplan/Phcs/American Lifecare	$1,289	529%
Usa Managed Care Network	$1,381	567%

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 $479.
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 Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport 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.