CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Mosaic Life Care at St Joseph

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,065
Cash Discount Price: $1,700
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.37x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Mosaic Life Care at St Joseph is $1,065. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,700. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 4.37x the Medicare baseline. Located in 5325 Faraon Street, Saint Joseph, MO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,700

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,065

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: $1,700 (697%)

Insurance Median: $1,065 (437%)

Cash: $1,700 (697% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,065 (437% 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 437% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 337%). 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
Aetna	$58 - $2,233	24%
Medicaid / KanCare	$58 - $234	24%
UnitedHealthcare	$58 - $3,807	24%
Amerigroup Of Iowa	$72 - $451	30%
Iowa Total Care	$72 - $451	30%
Molina Of Iowa	$72 - $451	30%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$74 - $2,344	30%
Multiplan	$251 - $2,430	103%
Ambetter / Centene	$329 - $463	135%
Centurion	$520 - $1,890	213%
Geha Shared Services	$1,056 - $2,192	433%
Freedom Select Healthlink	$1,116 - $2,318	458%
Healthlink Open Access	$1,116 - $2,318	458%
Preferred Health Professional	$1,116 - $2,318	458%
Sisco	$1,116 - $2,318	458%
Cigna	$1,144 - $2,376	469%
Home State Of Missouri	$1,885 - $3,915	773%
Healthy Blue Of Missouri	$2,314 - $4,806	949%

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 $1,700.
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 Mosaic Life Care at St Joseph 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.