CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Medical Center Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,231
Cash Discount Price: $1,970
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.05x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Medical Center Hospital is $1,231. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,970. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 5.05x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 W 4Th Street, Odessa, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,970

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,231

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: $1,970 (808%)

Insurance Median: $1,231 (505%)

Cash: $1,970 (808% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,231 (505% 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 505% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 405%). 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
Corvel Wc	$163 - $192	67%
Medicaid / KanCare	$202 - $212	83%
Superior Chips	$202	83%
UnitedHealthcare	$202 - $3,082	83%
Ambetter / Centene	$225 - $248	92%
Amerigroup	$225	92%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$225 - $1,325	92%
Community Health Choice	$225	92%
First Care Health Plan	$225	92%
Superior Health Plan	$225	92%
Aetna	$227 - $2,034	93%
Humana	$227	93%
Novitas Solutions	$236	97%
Triwest Va Ccn	$236	97%
Care Improvement Plus	$240	98%
Wellcare By Allwell	$248	102%
Group Resources	$288	118%
Caprock	$461 - $1,479	189%
Workers Comp	$479	196%
Healthsmart Preferred Care	$504 - $1,849	207%
Health Select	$813 - $1,325	334%
Geha	$1,050	431%
Firstcare	$1,150 - $2,157	472%
90 Degree Benefits	$1,477 - $1,479	606%
State Comptroller	$1,538 - $1,541	631%
Cigna	$1,557 - $1,568	639%
Texas Mutual Wc	$2,031 - $2,034	833%

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 $1,970.
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 Medical Center Hospital 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.