CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Medina Regional Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $753
Cash Discount Price: $1,831
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.09x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Medina Regional Hospital is $753. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,831. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 3.09x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3100 Avenue E, Hondo, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,831

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$753

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: $1,831 (751%)

Insurance Median: $753 (309%)

Cash: $1,831 (751% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $753 (309% 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 309% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 209%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$223 - $2,353	91%
Superior Health Plan	$228 - $1,216	94%
Community First Health Plan	$279 - $3,137	114%
Aetna	$294 - $1,882	121%
Amerigroup	$294	121%
Amerivantage	$307 - $1,035	126%
Blue Advantage	$466 - $1,569	191%
Curative	$559 - $1,882	229%
Cigna	$600	246%
Benefit Administrators	$931 - $3,137	382%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,099	451%

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 $1,831.
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 Medina Regional 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.