CPT
70450 — CT scan of head/brain without contrast
Same scan can cost 5x more at a hospital than at an imaging center.
Imaging
70551 — MRI brain without contrast
Non-contrast brain MRI. Common for headache workup, dementia screening, neurological symptoms.
- Typical setting: Hospital outpatient or imaging center
- National avg charge (illustrative): Insurance allowed $400-$1,500; cash freestanding $400-$1,200; hospital $2,000-$8,000+.
- Most-disputed reason: Hospital pricing 5-10x freestanding rate.
What it means
What 70551 actually means
CPT 70551 is a brain MRI performed without contrast. It includes the technical component (the scan) and a professional component (the radiologist's read), commonly billed separately.
Common errors with this code
What goes wrong on real bills.
Most bills that look correct still contain at least one of these issues. Up to 49% of medical bills contain errors (CFPB).
- Hospital outpatient pricing 5-10x freestanding rate.
- Charged as MRI with-and-without-contrast (70553) when no contrast was given.
- Out-of-network radiologist balance billing despite in-network facility.
If you see 70551 on your bill
Three steps before paying.
1. Get the itemized bill. If your statement only shows a summary, request the CPT-level itemized bill before paying. Generate the request language →
2. Cross-check against the EOB. Compare what your insurer's Explanation of Benefits says you owe versus what the hospital is asking. They disagree more often than people think. Read the bill-vs-EOB guide →
3. Run a free Bill Scan. Upload the bill (and EOB if you have it) and BillBusted will flag the most likely issues with this specific code in your specific state. Run free scan →
Related codes
Other codes in this category.
People who land on 70551 often also see these adjacent codes on the same bill.
CPT
70470 — CT head/brain with and without contrast
If contrast wasn't given, 70470 is the wrong code.
CPT
70486 — CT maxillofacial area; without contrast material
Imaging — verify professional + technical components weren't double-billed.
CPT
71045 — Chest X-ray, single view
Same image can cost 10x more at a hospital than a freestanding imaging center.
CPT
71046 — Chest X-ray, two views (PA + lateral)
Two-view CXR is standard. Watch the price gap between hospital and freestanding.
CPT
71250 — CT thorax ; without contrast material
Imaging — verify professional + technical components weren't double-billed.
Related BillBusted guides
Plain-English reads if you see 70551 on a bill.
70551 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
Can I get an MRI cheaper at a freestanding imaging center?
Almost always yes — often 50-80% cheaper for the identical study. For non-emergent imaging, you have the right to choose where it's performed. Ask your insurer for in-network freestanding centers.
Don't pay 70551 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.