CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Trident Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $3,623
Cash Discount Price: $13,170
vs. Medicare Baseline: 14.86x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Trident Medical Center is $3,623. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $13,170. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 14.86x the Medicare baseline. Located in 9330 Medical Plaza Dr, Charleston, SC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$13,170

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,623

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: $13,170 (5403%)

Insurance Median: $3,623 (1486%)

Cash: $13,170 (5403% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,623 (1486% 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 1486% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1386%). 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
Select Health	$227	93%
Absolute Total Care	$423 - $2,371	174%
United	$518 - $5,926	212%
Sc State Employees	$622	255%
Blue Choice	$726	298%
Blue Choice Health Plan	$907	372%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$907 - $12,512	372%
Aetna	$1,909 - $4,684	783%
Nhc Advantage	$2,502	1026%
Pruitt Health	$2,502	1026%
Medcost	$5,031 - $7,402	2064%
Employers Health Network	$5,926	2431%
Vocational Rehab	$7,112	2918%
Humana	$8,560 - $9,878	3512%
First Health	$9,614	3944%
Evernorth	$10,536	4322%
Multiplan	$11,194	4592%
Prime Health	$11,194	4592%
Novanet	$11,853	4862%

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 $13,170.
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 Trident 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.