CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Parkridge Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $2,069
Cash Discount Price: $10,890
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.49x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Parkridge Medical Center is $2,069. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $10,890. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 8.49x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2333 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$10,890

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,069

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: $10,890 (4467%)

Insurance Median: $2,069 (849%)

Cash: $10,890 (4467% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,069 (849% 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 849% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 749%). 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
Aetna	$171 - $5,445	70%
Health One Alliance	$227 - $7,079	93%
Humana	$292 - $7,079	120%
United	$314 - $4,901	129%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$397 - $3,376	163%
Ambetter / Centene	$420 - $447	172%
Amerigroup	$1,655	679%
Kentucky Labor Cabinet	$2,005	822%
Apex Health	$2,069	849%
Nhc Advantage, Inc.	$2,069	849%
Pruitt Health (Allyalign)	$2,069	849%
Peach State	$2,178	893%
Wellcare	$2,178	893%
Cigna	$3,735 - $8,712	1532%
Value Option	$5,445	2234%
Magellan Behavioral Health	$6,534	2680%
Multiplan	$6,534	2680%
North Ga Health Services	$7,079	2904%
Employers Health Network	$7,623	3127%
Olympus Managed Healthcare	$7,623	3127%
Beech Street	$9,583	3931%
Prime Health	$9,583	3931%

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 $10,890.
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 Parkridge 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.