CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Arnot Ogden Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $2,232
Cash Discount Price: $2,976
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.16x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Arnot Ogden Medical Center is $2,232. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,976. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 9.16x the Medicare baseline. Located in 600 Roe Avenue, Elmira, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,976

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,232

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: $2,976 (1221%)

Insurance Median: $2,232 (916%)

Cash: $2,976 (1221% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,232 (916% 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 916% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 816%). 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
Empire	$56 - $187	23%
Aetna	$244 - $3,424	100%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$244 - $13,554	100%
Geisinger	$249 - $2,730	102%
Fidelis	$268 - $884	110%
Amerihealth	$269 - $338	110%
Humana	$279 - $4,222	114%
Tricare	$279	114%
Amerihealth Mcr Adv - All Plans	$282	116%
Fidelis Care-Exchange - All Plans	$1,637 - $2,457	672%
Geisinger - All Plans	$1,732 - $2,600	711%
Cigna	$1,854 - $2,783	761%
Mvp Health Plan - All Plans	$1,854 - $2,783	761%
Independent Health - All Plans	$1,934 - $2,904	793%
Upmc Health Plan - All Plans	$2,053 - $3,083	842%
Pomco Inc - All Plans	$2,143 - $3,217	879%
Emblem Health - All Plans	$2,619 - $3,931	1074%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,822 - $3,971	1158%
Martins Point Mcr Adv - All Plans	$2,976 - $4,468	1221%
Emblem/Ghi	$4,128	1693%
Healthnow - All Plans	$8,965 - $13,459	3678%

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 $2,976.
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 Arnot Ogden 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.