CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Lakewood Health System

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $537
Cash Discount Price: $749
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.20x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Lakewood Health System is $537. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $749. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.20x the Medicare baseline. Located in 49725 County Road 83, Staples, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$749

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$537

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: $749 (307%)

Insurance Median: $537 (220%)

Cash: $749 (307% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $537 (220% 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 220% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 120%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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
Ucare Msho/Special Needs	$45 - $921	18%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$66 - $1,169	27%
Humana	$66 - $903	27%
Ucare Mcr Adv	$66 - $921	27%
UnitedHealthcare	$66 - $1,990	27%
Medica Msho/Mcr Adv	$70 - $894	29%
Health Partners - All Plans	$106 - $2,102	43%
Ucare Individual/Family - All Other Plans	$106 - $1,029	43%
Medica Choice Care	$119 - $490	49%
Medica Choice/Focus/Ifb/Mhps - All Other Plans	$119 - $2,001	49%
Preferred One Hmo	$132 - $2,124	54%
Preferred One Ppo - All Other Plans	$140 - $2,124	57%

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 $749.
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 Lakewood Health System 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.