CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: High Point Regional Health System

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,221
Cash Discount Price: $1,452
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.01x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at High Point Regional Health System is $1,221. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,452. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 5.01x the Medicare baseline. Located in 601 N Elm St, High Point, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,452

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,221

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: $1,452 (596%)

Insurance Median: $1,221 (501%)

Cash: $1,452 (596% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,221 (501% 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 501% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 401%). 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
Amerihealth	$421 - $943	173%
Carolina Complete	$421	173%
Healthy Blue	$421	173%
Partners	$421	173%
UnitedHealthcare	$425 - $4,563	174%
Vaya	$425	174%
Wellcare	$425	174%
Alliance	$430	176%
Trillium	$434	178%
Medcost	$778 - $1,861	319%
Aetna	$865 - $1,888	355%
Oscar	$871 - $1,162	357%
Ambetter / Centene	$929	381%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,198 - $1,923	491%
Cigna	$1,594	654%
Directnet	$1,716	704%
Private Healthcare Systems	$2,381	977%
Multiplan	$2,614	1072%
Humana	$2,701 - $2,759	1108%

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 $1,452.
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 High Point Regional Health System 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.