CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Medstar Montgomery Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,221
Cash Discount Price: $1,196
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.01x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Medstar Montgomery Medical Center is $1,221. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,196. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 5.01x the Medicare baseline. Located in 18101 Prince Philip Drive, Olney, MD.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,196

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,221

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: $1,196 (491%)

Insurance Median: $1,221 (501%)

Cash: $1,196 (491% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,221 (501% 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 501% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 401%). 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
Aetna	$907 - $1,534	372%
Amerigroup	$907 - $1,534	372%
Amerihealth Caritas District Of Columbia	$907 - $1,534	372%
Carefirst Advantage Inc	$907 - $1,534	372%
Carefirst Blue Choice Inc	$907 - $1,534	372%
Cigna	$907 - $1,534	372%
First Health	$907 - $1,534	372%
Hscsn	$907 - $1,534	372%
Humana	$907 - $1,534	372%
Kaiser Permanente	$907 - $1,534	372%
Magellan Behavioral Health Inc	$907 - $1,534	372%
Mamsi	$907 - $1,534	372%
Medstar Family Choice	$907 - $1,534	372%
Medstar Family Choice Inc	$907 - $1,534	372%
Ncppo Healthlink Ppo	$907 - $1,534	372%
Pfc	$907 - $1,534	372%
Private Healthcare Systems (Phcs)	$907 - $1,534	372%
Tricare	$907 - $1,534	372%
United Behavioral Health Inc	$907 - $1,534	372%
UnitedHealthcare	$907 - $1,534	372%

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 $1,196.
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 Montgomery 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.