CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Methodist Hospital Atascosa

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $521
Cash Discount Price: $6,043
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.14x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Methodist Hospital Atascosa is $521. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $6,043. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.14x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1905 Hwy 97 East, Jourdanton, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$6,043

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$521

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: $6,043 (2479%)

Insurance Median: $521 (214%)

Cash: $6,043 (2479% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $521 (214% 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 214% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 114%). 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
Superior Health	$137 - $467	56%
Community First Health Plans	$202 - $2,523	83%
Molina	$202	83%
United	$202 - $4,204	83%
Aetna	$220 - $4,671	90%
Humana	$253	104%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$375 - $2,756	154%
Imperial Insurance	$521 - $1,775	214%
Healthsmart Preferred Care	$1,509 - $5,139	619%
Multiplan	$2,058 - $7,941	844%
Triwest Health Alliance	$2,058 - $7,007	844%

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 $6,043.
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 Methodist Hospital Atascosa 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.