CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Ohio State University State Health System

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,071
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.39x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Ohio State University State Health System is $1,071. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 4.39x the Medicare baseline. Located in 410 West 10Th Avenue, Columbus, OH.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,071

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%)

Insurance Median: $1,071 (439%)

Ins. Median: $1,071 (439% 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 439% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 339%). 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
Aetna	$231 - $1,992	95%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$231 - $2,410	95%
Medicare (plans)	$231 - $250	95%
Medigold	$231	95%
Mmo	$231 - $1,351	95%
Molina	$231 - $386	95%
Upper Ohio Valley	$231 - $1,635	95%
Humana	$236 - $1,076	97%
Buckeye Community	$238 - $359	98%
Caresource	$243 - $359	100%
Healthspan	$243 - $1,189	100%
Cigna	$680	279%
United	$680	279%
Osu Health Plan	$842 - $1,251	345%
Odrc	$1,007	413%
Ohio Ppo	$1,110 - $1,239	455%
Ohiohealth	$1,610 - $1,858	660%
Lifetrac	$1,684	691%
Frontpath	$1,982	813%
Multiplan	$1,982	813%
Healthsmart	$2,229	914%

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 $X.
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 Ohio State University State Health System 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.