CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: The University Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,685
Cash Discount Price: $317
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.91x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at The University Hospital is $1,685. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $317. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 6.91x the Medicare baseline. Located in 150 Bergen St, Newark, NJ.

Cash / Self-Pay

$317

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,685

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: $317 (130%)

Insurance Median: $1,685 (691%)

Cash: $317 (130% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,685 (691% 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 691% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 591%). 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
Amerihealth	$276 - $294	113%
Clover Health	$276	113%
Fidelis	$276 - $1,685	113%
Horizon	$276 - $647	113%
UnitedHealthcare	$276 - $1,685	113%
Aetna	$450 - $1,767	185%
Wellpoint	$1,718	705%
First Health	$4,016	1647%
Americare	$4,303	1765%
Qualcare	$4,303	1765%
Correctional Medical Services	$4,590	1883%
Multiplan	$4,590	1883%
First Trenton	$5,164	2118%
Managed Care Inc	$5,164	2118%
Consumer Health Network	$5,451	2236%
Three Rivers	$5,451	2236%

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 $317.
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 The 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.