CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Athens Limestone Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $216
Cash Discount Price: $2,443
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.89x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Athens Limestone Hospital is $216. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,443. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.89x the Medicare baseline. Located in 700 West Market Street, Athens, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,443

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$216

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$243.77

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $243.77 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $2,443 (1002%)

Insurance Median: $216 (89%)

Cash: $2,443 (1002% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $216 (89% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $243.77 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Aetna	$86 - $3,614	35%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$86 - $465	35%
Cigna	$86 - $345	35%
Viva	$86 - $3,614	35%
Wellcare	$86 - $238	35%
UnitedHealthcare	$89 - $350	37%
Devoted	$111 - $223	46%
Ambetter / Centene	$216 - $432	89%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $2,443.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 70551.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Athens Limestone Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 70551.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.