CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Boston Children's Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70551
  • Insurance Median: $3,660
  • Cash Discount Price: $5,154
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 15.01x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Boston Children's Hospital is $3,660. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $5,154. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 15.01x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$5,154

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$3,660

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: $5,154 (2114%)
Insurance Median: $3,660 (1501%)
Cash: $5,154 (2114% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $3,660 (1501% 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 1501% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1401%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Unicare $1,160 476%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $1,378 - $3,403 565%
Cdphp $2,525 - $4,381 1036%
Harvard Pilgrim $2,619 - $3,483 1074%
United $3,083 - $4,306 1265%
Aetna $3,092 - $4,321 1268%
Mgb/Allways $3,134 - $3,810 1286%
Tufts Public Plan $3,166 - $3,173 1299%
United Ri Nj Ny $3,247 1332%
Ambetter / Centene $3,257 1336%
Carelon Strategies/Bhs $3,350 1374%
UnitedHealthcare $3,350 - $4,381 1374%
Carelon/Beacon $3,866 1586%
Fallon $3,932 - $3,973 1613%
Health New England $4,164 1708%
Cigna $4,381 - $4,651 1797%
Ets/Lifetrac $4,381 1797%
Interlink Transplant $4,381 1797%
Community Health Options $4,639 1903%
Humana $4,639 1903%
Coventry/Hcvm/First Health $4,742 1945%
Multiplan/Phcs $4,742 - $4,896 1945%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
  • CMS Rating: No CMS Rating
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Childrens