MRI Brain Stem W/O Dye: What It Costs and What's Fair
CPT 70551 · Medicare rate: $195 · National avg charge: $2,114 · BillKarma data from 139 providers
Reviewed 2026-04-04 · Pricing data year: 2026
Estimates assume 20% coinsurance after deductible. Actual costs depend on your plan's negotiated rates, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum. .
Your Insurance Plan
MRI Brain Stem W/O Dye (CPT 70551) is a diagnostic imaging scan that gives physicians detailed views of internal structures without surgery. It is typically ordered to evaluate an injury, disease, or condition that cannot be fully assessed through a physical exam alone. The scan usually takes 15 to 60 minutes to complete.
Cost by Billing Grade
| Grade | Avg Hospital Charge | Medicare Rate | Est. Patient Cost* | Hospitals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | $3,123 | $195 | $625 | 13 |
| D | $3,954 | $195 | $791 | 3 |
| F | $3,433 | $195 | $687 | 35 |
| N/A | $1,378 | $195 | $276 | 88 |
*Estimated patient cost assumes 20% coinsurance after deductible is met. Actual cost depends on your specific plan, deductible status, and network.
Cost Range Across Hospitals
What This Procedure Typically Costs by Facility Type
Find Providers Near You for This Procedure
Showing 10 lowest-markup providers nationally across hospitals, surgery centers, and imaging centers. Enter ZIP code to compare local providers side by side.
| Provider | Type | Location | Grade | Charge | Benchmark | Markup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAINT THOMAS HICKMAN HOSPITAL | Hospital | CENTERVILLE, TN | F | $329 |
$195
Medicare OPPS
|
1.7x |
| Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Albuquerque | Hospital | ALBUQUERQUE, NM | N/A | $358 |
$195
Medicare OPPS
|
1.8x |
| SAINT LUKE'S SOUTH HOSPITAL | Hospital | OVERLAND PARK, KS | F | $367 |
$195
Medicare OPPS
|
1.9x |
| Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Wichita Falls | Hospital | WICHITA FALLS, TX | N/A | $595 |
$195
Medicare OPPS
|
3.0x |
| Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Erie | Hospital | ERIE, PA | N/A | $618 |
$195
Medicare OPPS
|
3.2x |
| ADVENTIST HEALTH SYSTEM SUNBELT INC. | Hospital | WAUCHULA, FL | C | $657 |
$195
Medicare OPPS
|
3.4x |
| ASCENSION CALUMET HOSPITAL | Hospital | CHILTON, WI | C | $722 |
$195
Medicare OPPS
|
3.7x |
| Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Smith | Hospital | FORT SMITH, AR | N/A | $749 |
$195
Medicare OPPS
|
3.8x |
| Encompass Health Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital | Hospital | NEWBURGH, IN | N/A | $759 |
$195
Medicare OPPS
|
3.9x |
| Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Miami | Hospital | MIAMI, FL | N/A | $780 |
$195
Medicare OPPS
|
4.0x |
What Is a Fair Price for This Procedure?
Medicare pays $195 for MRI Brain Stem W/O Dye (CPT 70551). This rate is set by CMS based on the actual cost of delivering the procedure, including physician time, overhead, and equipment. It's the most reliable national benchmark for what the procedure is worth.
A hospital charging $391 (2x Medicare) or less earns an A billing grade — these are the most fairly priced facilities for this procedure. The national average charge is $2,114 (10.8x Medicare).
If your bill shows more than $586 (3x Medicare) for this procedure, it may be worth reviewing the charges carefully. Upload your bill to check →
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does MRI Brain Stem W/O Dye cost so much more at some hospitals than others?
Can I shop around for MRI Brain Stem W/O Dye if my doctor ordered it?
What should I do if I received a bill for MRI Brain Stem W/O Dye that seems high?
Related Procedures
- Brain MRI with Contrast · avg $2,917
- Chest X-Ray · avg $287
- X-Ray Exam Chest 2 Views · avg $331
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