CPT 70551: MRI of Brain (Without Contrast)
Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain without contrast. Used for MS, tumors, headaches with red flags, and seizure workups.
Category: Imaging | Typical bill: $1,500 - $7,000
⚠️ Prior authorization: Yes — almost always required
🎯 Am I being overcharged?
Enter what your bill says for CPT 70551 and we'll flag it against a typical fair range for this service.
Why your MRI of Brain (Without Contrast) bill looks so high
Hospitals bill a "rack rate" that is often 2-10x higher than what Medicare pays or what insurers actually reimburse. The fair range for CPT 70551 is roughly $1,500 - $7,000 — but many facilities bill far beyond it.
Common reasons 70551 claims get denied
- Prior authorization not obtained. MRIs are the most prior-auth-heavy outpatient imaging. If denied, ask for a retrospective authorization with the physician's order.
- 'Not medically necessary' for headache without red flags. Document red-flag features (new neuro deficit, thunderclap onset) in the chart.
Outpatient brain MRI nearly always needs prior authorization. Retro-auth with the referral order is the fastest fix.
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