CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $286
Cash Discount Price: $509
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.17x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge is $286. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $509. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.17x the Medicare baseline. Located in 17000 Medical Center Dr, Baton Rouge, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$509

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$286

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: $509 (209%)

Insurance Median: $286 (117%)

Cash: $509 (209% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $286 (117% 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
Zelis	$25	10%
Medicaid / KanCare	$182	75%
American Health Advantage Of Louisiana (Formerly Dignity Health Plan)	$222	91%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$222 - $1,039	91%
Healthy Blue Dual Advantage (Hmo-D-Snp)	$222	91%
Humana	$222 - $277	91%
Medicare (plans)	$222	91%
Ochsner Health Plan	$222	91%
Tricare	$222	91%
UnitedHealthcare	$222 - $277	91%
Healthy Blue (Healthy Louisiana)	$283	116%
Louisiana Healthcare Connections (Healthy Louisiana)	$283	116%
Aetna	$286 - $1,008	117%
Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana (Healthy Louisiana)	$286	117%
Claritev D/B/A Multiplan/Phcs/American Life Care	$848	348%
Healthcomp & Personify Health (Formerly Gilsbar)	$848	348%
Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation (Lwcc)	$1,060	435%
Mississippi Physicians Care Network	$1,060	435%
First Health Network	$1,131	464%
Prime Health Services Ppo	$1,202	493%
Usa Managed Care Network	$1,202	493%
Cigna	$1,667	684%

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 $509.
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 Medical Center - Baton Rouge 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.