CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Wilkes Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70551
  • Insurance Median: $1,832
  • Cash Discount Price: $1,794
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.52x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Wilkes Regional Medical Center is $1,832. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,794. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 7.52x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1370 West D St, North Wilkesboro, NC.
Cash / Self-Pay
$1,794

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$1,832

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: $1,794 (736%)
Insurance Median: $1,832 (752%)
Cash: $1,794 (736% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $1,832 (752% 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 752% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 652%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Healthteam $238 98%
Amerihealth $671 - $2,085 275%
Carolina Complete $671 275%
Healthblue $671 275%
Partners $671 275%
UnitedHealthcare $678 - $1,916 278%
Vaya $678 278%
Wellcare $678 278%
Alliance $685 281%
Trillium $691 283%
Medcost $1,033 - $2,562 424%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $1,246 - $2,094 511%
Aetna $1,363 - $2,465 559%
Ambetter / Centene $1,518 - $2,185 623%
Cigna $1,880 - $1,945 771%
Oscar $1,973 - $2,332 809%
Directnet $2,121 870%
Private Healthcare Systems $3,229 1325%
Multiplan $3,301 1354%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 1370 West D St, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
  • CMS Rating: ★★★☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - Local
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals