CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Charlevoix Area Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $275
Cash Discount Price: $2,403
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.13x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Charlevoix Area Hospital is $275. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,403. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.13x the Medicare baseline. Located in 14700 Lakeshore Drive, Charlevoix, MI.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,403

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$275

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: $2,403 (986%)

Insurance Median: $275 (113%)

Cash: $2,403 (986% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $275 (113% 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
Mclaren Health Plan	$44 - $2,632	18%
Meridian	$44 - $168	18%
Priority Health	$44 - $2,827	18%
UnitedHealthcare	$44 - $2,457	18%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$45 - $2,611	18%
Aetna	$67 - $2,553	27%
Blue Care Network	$67 - $1,329	27%
Hap (Health Alliance Plan)	$67 - $2,262	27%
Medicare (plans)	$67 - $1,329	27%
Michigan Amish Medical Board	$67 - $1,329	27%
Molina	$67 - $1,435	27%
Northern Michigan Mennonite Group	$67 - $1,329	27%
Asr Physicians Care Network	$100 - $2,262	41%
Cigna	$104 - $2,827	43%
Nomi Health	$107 - $2,629	44%
Employee Benefits Logistics	$113 - $2,259	46%
Provider Network Of America/Hma Group Health	$334 - $2,403	137%
Hospice Of Michigan	$1,696	696%
Enterprise Group Planning Employee Benefit Plan	$2,262	928%
First Health/Coventry Health/Community Care Network	$2,262	928%
Medical Cost Savings Solution	$2,262	928%
Three Rivers Provider Network	$2,403	986%
Iba Health And Life Assurance Company	$2,601	1067%
Cofinity	$2,629	1078%
Preferred Medical Claim Solutions	$2,686	1102%

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 $2,403.
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 Charlevoix Area Hospital 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.