CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Atrium Health University City

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70551
  • Insurance Median: $705
  • Cash Discount Price: $1,765
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.89x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Atrium Health University City is $705. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,765. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.89x the Medicare baseline. Located in 8800 North Tyron Street, Charlotte, NC.
Cash / Self-Pay
$1,765

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$705

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: $1,765 (724%)
Insurance Median: $705 (289%)
Cash: $1,765 (724% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $705 (289% 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 289% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 189%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Partners $61 - $440 25%
Trillium $61 - $440 25%
Alliance $62 - $448 25%
Amerihealth Caritas $62 - $444 25%
Carolina Complete Health $62 - $444 25%
Healthy Blue $62 - $444 25%
UnitedHealthcare $62 - $1,652 25%
Vaya $62 - $444 25%
Wellcare $62 - $444 25%
Cigna $65 - $2,824 27%
Humana $67 - $234 27%
Aetna $68 - $2,930 28%
Ortho Carolina $82 - $287 34%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $600 - $1,296 246%
Ambetter / Centene $1,039 - $1,282 426%
Employers Health Network $1,560 640%
Physician Reach Out $1,765 724%
Medcost $1,783 - $2,048 731%
Magellan $2,118 869%
Gmmi $2,295 941%
Quik Trip $2,295 941%
Carolina Behavioral Health $2,542 - $2,824 1043%
Choicecare $2,542 - $2,613 1043%
First Health $2,824 - $2,930 1158%
Healthgram $2,824 1158%
Private Health Care Systems $2,895 1188%
Provider Select $3,072 - $3,425 1260%
Beechstreet $3,178 1304%
Multiplan $3,248 1332%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 8800 North Tyron Street, Charlotte, NC 28262
  • CMS Rating: ★★★☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - Hospital District or Authority
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals