Search for medical procedure prices by code or description. Use this for direct lookups when you know a CPT/HCPCS code (e.g. "70551") or want to search by keyword (e.g. "MRI", "knee replacement"). For code-like queries → exact match on procedure code. For text queries → searches code, description...
Risk signalsAccepts freeform code/query input (query) · High parameter count (12 properties)
Part of the MedRates server.
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AI agents call search to retrieve information from MedRates without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.
Even though search only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.
Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.
{
"version": "1",
"default": "deny",
"tools": {
"search": {}
}
}See the full MedRates policy for all 6 tools.
These attack patterns abuse exactly the kind of access search gives an agent. Each links to the full case and the policy that stops it:
Other read tools across the catalogue. The same approach applies to each: allow, with a rate cap to control cost.
Search for medical procedure prices by code or description. Use this for direct lookups when you know a CPT/HCPCS code (e.g. "70551") or want to search by keyword (e.g. "MRI", "knee replacement"). For code-like queries → exact match on procedure code. For text queries → searches code, description, and code_type fields. Supports filtering by insurance payer, clinical setting, and location (via zip code or lat/lng coordinates with a radius). NOTE: Results are from US HOSPITALS only — not non-US providers, independent imaging centers, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), or other freestanding facilities. Args: query: CPT/HCPCS code (e.g. "70551") or text search (e.g. "MRI brain"). Must be at least 2 characters. code_type: Filter by code type: "CPT", "HCPCS", "MS-DRG", "RC", etc. hospital_id: Filter to a specific hospital (use the hospitals tool to find IDs). payer_name: Filter by insurance payer name (e.g. "Blue Cross", "Aetna"). plan_name: Filter by plan name (e.g. "PPO", "HMO"). setting: Filter by clinical setting: "inpatient" or "outpatient". zip_code: US zip code for geographic filtering (alternative to lat/lng). lat: Latitude for geographic filtering (use with lng and radius_miles). lng: Longitude for geographic filtering (use with lat and radius_miles). radius_miles: Search radius in miles from the zip code or lat/lng location. page: Page number (default 1). page_size: Results per page (default 25, max 100). Returns: JSON with matching charge items including procedure codes, descriptions, gross charges, cash prices, and negotiated rate ranges per hospital.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the MedRates MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the MedRates MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for search: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches MedRates. Nothing to install.
search is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the search rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for search. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.
search is provided by the MedRates MCP server (https://mcp.medrates.fyi/mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
Deterministic rules across all 6 MedRates tools. Per-identity grants. Full audit log. Live in minutes. Nothing to install.
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