CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Surgical Specialty Center of Baton Rouge

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $451
Cash Discount Price: $1,673
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.85x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Surgical Specialty Center of Baton Rouge is $451. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,673. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.85x the Medicare baseline. Located in 8080 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,673

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$451

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: $1,673 (686%)

Insurance Median: $451 (185%)

Cash: $1,673 (686% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $451 (185% 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
Cigna	$209	86%
Humana	$212 - $326	87%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$216 - $289	89%
Medadv-Peoples	$216	89%
Medicare (plans)	$216	89%
Tricare	$216	89%
UnitedHealthcare	$216	89%
Va	$218	89%
Aetna	$223 - $265	91%
Verity	$225	92%
Wellcare	$227	93%
Amerihealth	$265	109%
Healthy_Blue	$265	109%
Lhc	$265	109%
Medicaid / KanCare	$265	109%
United_Caid	$265	109%
Lucent	$302	124%
Ambetter / Centene	$451	185%
Workcomp_Saints	$497	204%
Southern-Univ	$500	205%
United	$518	212%
Ehn	$606	249%
Coventry	$630	258%
Workcomp_Cov	$630	258%
Lsufirst	$751	308%
Uhc_Commcoffee	$945	388%
Gilsbar	$1,093	448%
Multiplan-Pos	$1,338	549%
Multiplan-Ppo	$1,338	549%
Ppoplus	$1,360	558%
Stjude	$1,450	595%
Bayou-Med	$1,561	640%
Dma	$1,561	640%
Lsu	$1,561	640%
Womans_Hosp	$1,561	640%
Reny	$1,672	686%
Workcomp_3R	$1,806	741%
Three_Rivers	$1,896	778%
Workcomp_Strat	$1,896	778%
Geha	$1,962	805%
Workcomp_Fp	$2,007	823%
Usa_Mco	$2,096	860%

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 $1,673.
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 Surgical Specialty Center of 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.