CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Kaleida Health

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70551
  • Insurance Median: $115
  • Cash Discount Price: $765
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.47x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Kaleida Health is $115. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $765. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.47x the Medicare baseline. Located in 100 High Street, Buffalo, NY.
Cash / Self-Pay
$765

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$115

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: $765 (314%)
Insurance Median: $115 (47%)
Cash: $765 (314% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $115 (47% 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.

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
UnitedHealthcare $26 - $323 11%
Univera Healthcare $28 - $115 11%
Wellcare $28 - $310 11%
Fidelis Care $31 - $115 13%
Highmark Wny $31 - $63 13%
Humana $31 - $32 13%
Molina Healthcare Of New York, Inc. $37 - $139 15%
Meritain Health $48 - $53 20%
American Progressive Life & Health $50 - $66 21%
Mvp Healthplan $76 31%
Ghi/Emblem Health $144 - $402 59%
Ghi/Emblem Health - Wchob $144 - $179 59%
Aetna $149 - $316 61%
Magnacare $149 - $191 61%
Magnacare - Wchob $149 - $191 61%
Independent Health Association $173 - $554 71%
Independent Health Association - Wchob $180 - $554 74%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $203 - $1,111 83%
Tricare $283 116%
Univera $292 - $1,126 120%
Fidelis $322 132%
Cigna $348 - $423 143%
Univera - Wchob $404 - $1,126 166%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 100 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14210
  • CMS Rating: ★★★☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals