CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Dell Children's Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $707
Cash Discount Price: $2,641
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.90x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Dell Children's Medical Center is $707. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,641. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.90x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4900 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,641

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$707

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: $2,641 (1083%)

Insurance Median: $707 (290%)

Cash: $2,641 (1083% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $707 (290% 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 290% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 190%). 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
Champva	$163 - $224	67%
Ambetter / Centene	$204 - $218	84%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$204 - $1,042	84%
Wellpoint Chip/Chip Perinate	$204 - $218	84%
Wellpoint Star Kids	$204	84%
Wellpoint Star Plus	$204 - $219	84%
Dell Chip/Chip Perinate	$218 - $219	89%
Dell Star	$218 - $219	89%
UnitedHealthcare	$218 - $219	89%
Wellpoint Star	$218 - $219	89%
Humana	$259	106%
Tricare	$264	108%
Superior Star	$629 - $1,659	258%
Superior Star Foster	$629 - $1,659	258%
Superior Star Kids	$629 - $1,659	258%
Superior Star Plus	$629 - $1,659	258%
Superior Chip/Chip Perinate	$707 - $1,867	290%
Seton Performance Plus	$755	310%
Aetna	$1,128 - $1,969	463%
Covenant Health	$1,410	578%
Cigna	$1,750	718%

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 $2,641.
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 Dell Children's 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.