CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Essentia Health Deer River

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,615
Cash Discount Price: $2,170
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.63x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Essentia Health Deer River is $1,615. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,170. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 6.63x the Medicare baseline. Located in 115 10Th Avenue Northeast, Deer River, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,170

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,615

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: $2,170 (890%)

Insurance Median: $1,615 (663%)

Cash: $2,170 (890% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,615 (663% 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 663% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 563%). 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
Itasca Med Care	$242	99%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,127 - $2,055	462%
Blue Plus Pmap Pcc Prime	$1,127 - $1,615	462%
Healthpartners Care Pmap	$1,180	484%
Advocare/Security Health	$1,262	518%
Freedom Blue Ppo	$1,262	518%
Healthpartners Care Msho / Mcr Adv	$1,262	518%
Imcare Msho Pcc Prime	$1,262	518%
Imcare Msho Ref Req	$1,262	518%
Medica Advantage Solutions	$1,262	518%
Medica Msho/Dual Solutions	$1,262	518%
Medica Prime Solution Group	$1,262	518%
Medicare (plans)	$1,262	518%
Healthpartners	$1,985 - $2,340	814%
America'S Ppo	$2,275	933%
Cigna	$2,290 - $2,340	939%
Healthpartners Pcc Prime	$2,290 - $2,340	939%
Aetna	$2,496	1024%

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 $2,170.
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 Essentia Health Deer River 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.