CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: South Sunflower County Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $188
Cash Discount Price: $143
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.77x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at South Sunflower County Hospital is $188. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $143. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.77x the Medicare baseline. Located in 121 East Baker Street, Indianola, MS.

Cash / Self-Pay

$143

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$188

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: $143 (59%)

Insurance Median: $188 (77%)

Cash: $143 (59% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $188 (77% 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
UnitedHealthcare	$63	26%
Primewell Mcr Adv	$65 - $220	27%
Advanced Health Systems - All Plans	$97 - $3,061	40%
Primewell Comm - All Other Plans	$104 - $551	43%
Medicaid / KanCare	$184 - $187	75%
Trucare - All Plans	$186 - $189	76%
Multiplan - All Plans	$234 - $1,194	96%
Aetna	$1,053	432%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,194	490%
Physician Care Network - All Plans	$2,457	1008%

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 $143.
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 South Sunflower County 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.