CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Wheatland Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $206
Cash Discount Price: $1,006
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.85x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Wheatland Memorial Hospital is $206. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,006. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.85x the Medicare baseline. Located in 530 3Rd St Nw, Harlowton, MT.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,006

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$206

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: $1,006 (413%)

Insurance Median: $206 (85%)

Cash: $1,006 (413% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $206 (85% 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 - $1,747	26%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$68 - $111	28%
Healthnet Federal-All Plans	$68 - $1,087	28%
Humana	$68 - $1,087	28%
Pacific Source Mcr Adv	$68 - $1,087	28%
Triwest-All Plans	$68 - $1,087	28%
Medica Prime Solutions-All Plans	$69 - $1,087	28%
Naphcare-All Plans	$108	44%
Allegiance Provider-All Plans	$113 - $1,515	46%
First Choice Big Sky-All Plans	$114 - $1,693	47%
6 Degrees Health-All Plans	$122 - $1,693	50%
Ccn-All Plans	$122 - $1,729	50%
First Health-All Plans	$122 - $1,711	50%
Community Health Ntwk-All Plans	$124 - $1,693	51%
Interwest Ppo-All Plans	$124 - $1,693	51%
Mountain Health Co-Op-All Plans	$124 - $1,693	51%
Rocky Mountain Health Network-All Plans	$124 - $1,693	51%
Pacific Steel & Recycling-All Plans	$136 - $1,693	56%
City Of Billings-All Plans	$148 - $2,674	61%
Pacific Source-All Other Plans	$154 - $1,693	63%
Amish Old Orders-All Plans	$172 - $1,337	71%
Fedmed Network-All Plans	$195 - $1,693	80%
Americas Choice-All Plans	$218 - $1,693	89%
Three Rivers-All Plans	$218 - $1,693	89%

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 $1,006.
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 Wheatland Memorial 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.