CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: El Paso Children's Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $572
Cash Discount Price: $282
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.35x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at El Paso Children's Hospital is $572. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $282. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.35x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4845 Alameda Avenue, El Paso, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$282

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$572

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: $282 (116%)

Insurance Median: $572 (235%)

Cash: $282 (116% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $572 (235% 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 235% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 135%). 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
Uh Military Va	$174	71%
Health Net Fed Svcs	$187	77%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$193 - $1,059	79%
Amerigroup Tx	$202	83%
Point Comfort Underwriters	$202	83%
Superior	$202	83%
El Paso Health Plans	$222	91%
Molina Tx	$222	91%
El Paso First Health Plan	$395	162%
Western Sky	$748	307%
Molina Nm	$909	373%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,014	416%
Aetna	$1,017 - $1,130	417%
Cigna	$1,108	455%
Coventry Health Care	$1,130	464%
Fortified Provider Network	$1,130	464%
Multiplan	$1,130	464%

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 $282.
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 El Paso Children's 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.