CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Albany Medical Center Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 70551
  • Insurance Median: $164
  • Cash Discount Price: $402
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.67x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Albany Medical Center Hospital is $164. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $402. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.67x the Medicare baseline. Located in 43 New Scotland Avenue, Mail Code 34, Albany, NY.
Cash / Self-Pay
$402

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$164

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: $402 (165%)
Insurance Median: $164 (67%)
Cash: $402 (165% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $164 (67% 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
Cdphp $45 - $1,187 18%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $49 - $1,187 20%
Medicare (plans) $49 - $212 20%
Fidelis $52 - $1,187 21%
Tricare $56 - $185 23%
Hamaspik $62 - $1,240 25%
Medicaid / KanCare $62 - $334 25%
Blue Shield Highmark $64 - $625 26%
UnitedHealthcare $66 - $2,745 27%
Mvp $67 - $528 27%
Aetna $68 - $589 28%
Nascentia $72 - $204 30%
Emblem Health Ghi $73 - $408 30%
Cigna $104 - $520 43%
Blue Shield $143 - $560 59%
Nys Department Of Corrections $164 - $489 67%
Nascentia Health Options $280 115%
Emblem $287 - $474 118%
Empire Plan Nyship $309 - $2,745 127%
Multiplan $328 - $2,916 135%
Emblem_Ghi $474 194%
Mvp Commercial $983 - $1,293 403%
Mvp Essential Plan $1,135 466%
Magnacare $1,486 610%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 43 New Scotland Avenue, Mail Code 34, Albany, NY 12208
  • CMS Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals