CPT 70551 Radiology
Mri brain stem w/o dye Cost
Body System: Nervous
Medicare Facility Rate
$86
CMS PFS CY2026
Medicare Non-Facility Rate
$309
Office/clinic setting
Hospital Outpatient
$244
OPPS rate
Surgery Center (ASC)
$128
ASC rate
Relative Value Units (RVUs)
Medicare payment = Total RVU × Conversion Factor ($33.40 for CY 2026)
1.13
Work RVU
1.45
Facility PE RVU
0.09
Malpractice RVU
Cost by Location
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $228 | $297 — $457 |
| AK — ALASKA* | $110 | $165 — $275 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $177 | $230 — $354 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $174 | $227 — $349 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $191 | $249 — $383 |
| AZ — Phoenix | $89 | $133 — $221 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $210 | $273 — $420 |
| CA — CHICO | $210 | $272 — $419 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $210 | $272 — $419 |
| CA — FRESNO | $210 | $272 — $419 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $210 | $272 — $419 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $224 | $291 — $447 |
| CA — Los Angeles | $100 | $149 — $249 |
| CA — MADERA | $210 | $272 — $419 |
| CA — MERCED | $210 | $272 — $419 |
| CA — MODESTO | $210 | $272 — $419 |
| CA — NAPA | $244 | $317 — $488 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $223 | $290 — $446 |
| CA — REDDING | $210 | $272 — $419 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $210 | $272 — $419 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Mri brain stem w/o dye cost?
The Medicare facility rate is $86. Commercial insurance typically pays 150-250% of Medicare rates (varies). Hospital outpatient rate: $244. Ambulatory surgery center rate: $128.
How much does Mri brain stem w/o dye cost without insurance?
Without insurance, you may pay the hospital's chargemaster rate, which is often 300-500% of Medicare. Ask about cash-pay discounts — many facilities offer 20-40% off for self-pay patients. The Medicare baseline for this procedure is $86.