CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Howard County Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $655
Cash Discount Price: $4,070
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.69x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Howard County Medical Center is $655. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $4,070. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.69x the Medicare baseline. Located in P O Box 406, 1113 Sherman St, St Paul, NE.

Cash / Self-Pay

$4,070

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$655

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: $4,070 (1670%)

Insurance Median: $655 (269%)

Cash: $4,070 (1670% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $655 (269% 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 269% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 169%). 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
Medica Standard Premier	$65 - $184	27%
Aetna	$68 - $3,866	28%
Medica Elevate	$127 - $360	52%
Midland'S Choice	$134 - $378	55%
Humana	$153	63%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$180 - $3,866	74%
Great Plains	$180 - $2,320	74%
Medica Chi	$180 - $2,320	74%
Tricare	$180 - $3,052	74%
UnitedHealthcare	$180 - $3,907	74%
Nebraska Total Care - Wellcare	$185	76%
Molina Healthcare	$189 - $2,035	78%
Oscar Health	$314	129%
Ambetter / Centene	$359	147%
Beshp	$359	147%
Nebraska Total Care	$2,035	835%
Medica Chi Aco	$3,704	1519%
Medica Choice National	$3,704	1519%
Medica Ifb Aco	$3,907	1603%
Medica Ifb Open Access	$3,907	1603%

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 $4,070.
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 Howard County Medical Center 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.