CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Medstar Georgetown University Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $518
Cash Discount Price: $2,109
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.12x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital is $518. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,109. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.12x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3800 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,109

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$518

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: $2,109 (865%)

Insurance Median: $518 (212%)

Cash: $2,109 (865% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $518 (212% 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 212% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 112%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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
Carefirst Advantage Inc	$141 - $282	58%
Tricare	$141 - $282	58%
UnitedHealthcare	$141 - $1,184	58%
Aetna	$145 - $1,454	59%
Health Care Service Corporation	$148 - $296	61%
Humana	$148 - $296	61%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$191 - $381	78%
Amerigroup	$259 - $518	106%
Amerihealth Caritas District Of Columbia	$259 - $518	106%
Hscsn	$259 - $518	106%
Medstar Family Choice Inc	$259 - $909	106%
Cigna	$1,502	616%
Pfc	$2,109	865%
Carefirst Blue Choice Inc	$2,273	932%
Private Healthcare Systems (Phcs)	$2,596	1065%
First Health	$2,758	1131%
Beech Street	$2,920	1198%

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 $2,109.
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 Medstar Georgetown University 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.