CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Carilion New River Valley Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,734
Cash Discount Price: $1,192
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.11x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center is $1,734. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,192. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 7.11x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2900 Lamb Circle, Christiansburg, VA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,192

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,734

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: $1,192 (489%)

Insurance Median: $1,734 (711%)

Cash: $1,192 (489% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,734 (711% 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 711% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 611%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$181 - $1,014	74%
Sentara Health Plan	$184 - $2,112	75%
Abh Of Va (Formerly Coventry)	$189	78%
Abh Of Wva (Formerly Coventry)	$189	78%
Humana	$189 - $227	78%
UnitedHealthcare	$189 - $2,785	78%
Aetna	$209 - $2,262	86%
Gateway - Tier 3	$1,874	769%
Vhn - Ultra	$2,112	866%
Cigna	$2,296 - $2,453	942%
Connecticare	$2,385	978%
Vhn - Plus	$2,623	1076%
Gateway - Tier 2	$2,726	1118%
Vhn	$2,726	1118%
Vhn - Link	$3,066	1258%
Gateway - Tier 1	$3,237	1328%
Vhn - Secondary Payors	$3,237	1328%

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 $1,192.
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 Carilion New River Valley 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.