CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Covenant Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $183
Cash Discount Price: $1,667
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.75x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Covenant Medical Center is $183. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,667. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.75x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1447 N Harrison, Saginaw, MI.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,667

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$183

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: $1,667 (684%)

Insurance Median: $183 (75%)

Cash: $1,667 (684% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $183 (75% 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
Health Advantage Mclaren Employee	$54 - $1,310	22%
Priority Health E	$55 - $1,095	23%
Physicians Health Plan	$66 - $1,310	27%
Priority Health	$66 - $1,310	27%
Aetna	$67 - $1,750	27%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$67 - $318	27%
Health Alliance Plan Of Michigan	$67 - $470	27%
Healthy Michigan Mclaren	$67 - $183	27%
Healthy Michigan Meridian	$67 - $183	27%
Healthy Michigan Molina	$67 - $183	27%
Healthy Michigan Priority Health	$67 - $183	27%
Humana	$67 - $1,786	27%
Mclaren Advantage	$67 - $244	27%
Molina Healthplan	$67 - $244	27%
Physicians Health Plan Advantage/Advantage Plus	$67 - $244	27%
Mclaren Health Advantage	$86 - $1,071	35%
Meritain Health	$92 - $1,821	38%
Multiplan	$108 - $2,143	44%
Blue Care Network	$111 - $318	46%
Cigna	$1,310	537%

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 $1,667.
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 Covenant 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.