CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Grand Strand Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $3,092
Cash Discount Price: $11,194
vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.68x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center is $3,092. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $11,194. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 12.68x the Medicare baseline. Located in 809 82Nd Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$11,194

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,092

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: $11,194 (4592%)

Insurance Median: $3,092 (1268%)

Cash: $11,194 (4592% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,092 (1268% 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 1268% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1168%). 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 - $2,015	174%
Group Health	$430	176%
United	$518 - $5,037	212%
Sc State Employees	$622	255%
Blue Choice	$726	298%
Blue Choice Health Plan	$885	363%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$885 - $10,634	363%
Cigna	$1,769 - $3,616	726%
Aetna	$2,020 - $3,459	829%
Nhc Advantage	$2,127	873%
Pruitt Health	$2,127	873%
Medcost	$5,608 - $7,646	2301%
Vocational Rehab	$6,045	2480%
Employers Health Network	$6,157	2526%
Evernorth	$8,955	3674%
First Health	$9,235	3788%
Global Excel Management	$9,291	3811%
Humana	$9,515	3903%
Multiplan	$9,515	3903%
National Choicecare	$9,515	3903%
Prime Health	$9,515	3903%
Novanet	$10,075	4133%

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 $11,194.
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 Grand Strand Regional 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.