CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Tristar Southern Hills Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $773
Cash Discount Price: $5,921
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.17x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Tristar Southern Hills Medical Center is $773. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $5,921. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 3.17x the Medicare baseline. Located in 391 Wallace Rd, Nashville, TN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$5,921

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$773

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: $5,921 (2429%)

Insurance Median: $773 (317%)

Cash: $5,921 (2429% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $773 (317% 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 317% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 217%). 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
Humana	$276 - $1,480	113%
United	$314 - $2,665	129%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$505 - $844	207%
Aetna	$541 - $2,961	222%
Kentucky Labor Cabinet	$1,090	447%
Apex Health	$1,125	462%
Nhc Advantage, Inc.	$1,125	462%
Pruitt Health (Allyalign)	$1,125	462%
Cigna	$1,930	792%
Bgfh Singlesource	$2,961 - $5,033	1215%
Multiplan	$3,434	1409%
Employers Health Network	$4,145	1700%
Beech Street	$5,211	2138%
Prime Health	$5,211	2138%

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 $5,921.
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 Tristar Southern Hills 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.