Heads up: Rates shown are for the most comprehensive scan (with and without contrast). Without-contrast scans (70551) run 20–30% lower.
Brain MRIs are ordered for headaches, neurological symptoms, or follow-up after stroke or tumor. The three codes differ by whether contrast dye is used. Contrast (gadolinium) helps highlight tumors, inflammation, and blood vessels — your doctor orders it based on what they're looking for.
Tip: Ask your doctor which code they're ordering before you call hospitals for rates.
| Code | Variant | When it applies | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPT 70551 | Without contrast | Standard scan, no dye | See exact rates → |
| CPT 70552 | With contrast | Dye injected to highlight certain tissue | See exact rates → |
| CPT 70553 | With and without contrast | Two scans — before and after dye injection | See exact rates → |
Ranges span all billing codes for this procedure. Actual rate depends on which variant is performed.
| Insurance | AdventHealth Tampa | AdventHealth Wesley Chapel | AdventHealth Zephyrhills | HCA Florida Brandon Hospital | HCA Florida Largo Hospital | HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital | HCA Florida Trinity Hospital | HCA Florida West Tampa Hospital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Molina | $169–$285Best | $169–$285Best | $169–$285Best | $0 covered | $0 covered | $0 covered | $0 covered | $0 covered |
| Cigna | $454–$747Best | $465–$764 | $461–$759 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Oscar Health | $454–$713Best | $471–$740 | $517–$812 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Humana | $900 | $1,086–$1,827 | $810–$1,231Best | — | — | — | — | — |
| Aetna | $501–$837 | $501–$837 | $374–$626Best | $1,826 | $1,826 | $1,826 | $1,826 | $1,826 |
| Workers Comp | — | — | — | $2,487–$3,633Best | $2,487–$3,633Best | $2,487–$3,633Best | $2,487–$3,633Best | $2,487–$3,633Best |
| Multiplan | $2,644–$3,158Best | $3,066–$5,160 | $3,066–$5,160 | $0 covered | $0 covered | $0 covered | $0 covered | $0 covered |
Source: Hospital price transparency files (federally required). Facility fees only.
Each hospital negotiates separate contracts with every insurer. For the same procedure, the rate can differ by 3–5x between hospital systems — larger systems have more leverage and command higher rates.
Facility fee only. The physician performing this procedure bills separately. Your out-of-pocket depends on your deductible and coinsurance. Federal law requires hospitals to provide a Good Faith Estimate before any non-emergency procedure.