CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Memorial Mission Hospital and Asheville Surgery Ce

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $2,544
Cash Discount Price: $5,495
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.44x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Memorial Mission Hospital and Asheville Surgery Ce is $2,544. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $5,495. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 10.44x the Medicare baseline. Located in 509 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$5,495

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,544

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: $5,495 (2254%)

Insurance Median: $2,544 (1044%)

Cash: $5,495 (2254% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,544 (1044% 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 1044% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 944%). 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
United	$518 - $3,417	212%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$957 - $1,062	393%
Wellcare	$985 - $1,094	404%
Amerihealth	$995 - $1,104	408%
Partners Health Management	$1,005 - $1,115	412%
Vaya Health	$1,005 - $1,115	412%
Apex Health	$1,042 - $1,156	427%
Cigna	$1,932 - $2,879	793%
Caresource	$2,292 - $2,544	940%
Medcost	$2,934 - $4,914	1204%
Magellan	$3,125 - $3,469	1282%
Magellan Behavioral Health	$3,125 - $3,469	1282%
Aetna	$3,765 - $4,180	1544%
Multiplan	$4,166 - $4,625	1709%
Avalon Administrative Services	$4,427 - $4,914	1816%
Prime Health	$4,583 - $5,203	1880%

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 $5,495.
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 Memorial Mission Hospital and Asheville Surgery Ce 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.