Mri brain stem w/o dye

What is CPT Code 70551?

MRI of the brain without contrast. Used for evaluating seizures, headaches, cognitive changes, and screening for structural abnormalities when contrast is not needed or contraindicated.

The Medicare reimbursement rate shown above is the amount the federal government has determined is a reasonable payment for this service. Hospitals and providers that participate in Medicare have agreed to accept these rates from Medicare patients.

Who typically bills this:Radiologist (interpretation) + hospital or imaging center (technical)

Common Billing Errors for CPT 70551

• !Billed at 70553 (with contrast) rate when no contrast was administered
• !Sedation or anesthesia charges added for adults who did not require it
• !Both 70551 and 70553 billed when the order was for a single with-and-without study

Red Flags on Your Bill

Negotiation Tips for CPT 70551

1. 1Confirm the radiology report — if it doesn't mention contrast or gadolinium, you should not be billed for 70553
2. 2Brain MRI without contrast Medicare rate is roughly $90–$120 professional; hospital chargemaster often runs $2,000–$5,000
3. 3For non-urgent brain MRIs, freestanding imaging centers offer the same study for $400–$800

Codes That Often Appear With This One

These CPT codes commonly appear on the same bill. Review each one to spot potential bundling errors or duplicate charges.

Found CPT 70551 on Your Bill?

If you see CPT code 70551 on a hospital or medical bill, compare the charged amount to the Medicare rate above. If your bill shows a significantly higher charge, you may have grounds to negotiate.

1. Note the amount charged for CPT 70551 on your itemized bill
2. Compare it to the Medicare rate above — calculate the markup
3. Call the billing department and use the Medicare rate as your anchor:“I see CPT code 70551 billed at [amount]. The Medicare rate for this procedure is $204.27. I'd like to discuss a fair adjustment.”