CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Mainehealth Maine Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $404
Cash Discount Price: $3,048
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.66x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Mainehealth Maine Medical Center is $404. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,048. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.66x the Medicare baseline. Located in 22 Bramhall St, Portland, ME.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,048

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$404

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: $3,048 (1250%)

Insurance Median: $404 (166%)

Cash: $3,048 (1250% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $404 (166% 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$67 - $3,140	27%
UnitedHealthcare	$67 - $3,697	27%
Aetna	$68 - $3,405	28%
Humana	$77 - $1,337	32%
Wellcare	$77 - $1,391	32%
Multiplan	$130 - $3,697	53%
Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare	$134 - $3,662	55%
Community Health Options	$141 - $3,146	58%
Cigna	$1,553 - $3,312	637%

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 $3,048.
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 Mainehealth Maine Medical Center 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.