CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Seton Medical Center Harker Heights

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $720
Cash Discount Price: $185
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.95x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Seton Medical Center Harker Heights is $720. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $185. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.95x the Medicare baseline. Located in 850 W Central Texas Expressway, Harker Heights, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$185

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$720

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: $185 (76%)

Insurance Median: $720 (295%)

Cash: $185 (76% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $720 (295% 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 295% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 195%). 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
Healthscope Benefits [2290]	$332	136%
UnitedHealthcare	$332 - $720	136%
Aetna	$342 - $1,060	140%
Healthcare Highways [2210]	$720	295%
Medicaid / KanCare	$720 - $1,980	295%
Oncology Patient Assistance Programs [2295]	$720	295%
Selecthealth [3740]	$720	295%
Web Tpa [2115]	$720 - $1,477	295%
Humana	$1,208	496%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,366	560%
First Care Commercial [1371]	$1,385	568%
Allied Benefit Systems Inc [1030]	$1,477	606%
Cigna	$1,599	656%

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 $185.
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 Seton Medical Center Harker Heights 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.