CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Berkshire Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,970
Cash Discount Price: $3,384
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.08x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Berkshire Medical Center is $1,970. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,384. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 8.08x the Medicare baseline. Located in 725 North Street, Pittsfield, MA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,384

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,970

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: $3,384 (1388%)

Insurance Median: $1,970 (808%)

Cash: $3,384 (1388% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,970 (808% 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 808% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 708%). 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
Medicare (plans)	$200 - $301	82%
Other Government	$202 - $306	83%
Hospice	$203 - $306	83%
UnitedHealthcare	$203 - $3,063	83%
Health New England	$206 - $2,484	85%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$210 - $3,028	86%
Commcare Alliance	$210 - $362	86%
Fallon	$214 - $1,567	88%
Cdphp	$222 - $3,206	91%
Mbhp	$222	91%
Mcd Out Of State	$222 - $261	91%
Medicaid / KanCare	$222 - $261	91%
Aetna	$240 - $2,689	98%
Comm Tufts Qhpsub (Network)	$287 - $2,013	118%
Point32Health	$287 - $3,384	118%
Bmchnp	$288 - $300	118%
Comm Hne Hmo	$387 - $2,347	159%
Comm Hne Ppo	$411 - $2,494	169%
Unicare	$501 - $2,310	206%
Workers Comp	$596 - $2,161	244%
Allways Nhp	$1,575 - $2,305	646%
Beacon	$2,069 - $3,206	849%
Cigna	$2,191 - $3,313	899%
Mvp	$2,191 - $3,206	899%
Oxford	$2,191 - $3,206	899%
First Health	$2,264 - $3,384	929%
Connecticare	$2,312 - $3,384	948%
Consolidated Health Plans	$2,312 - $3,384	948%
Other Commercial	$2,312 - $3,384	948%
Phcs	$2,312 - $3,384	948%
Self Pay	$2,312 - $3,384	948%

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 $3,384.
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 Berkshire Medical Center 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.