CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Fostoria Community Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,755
Cash Discount Price: $2,194
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.20x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Fostoria Community Hospital is $1,755. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,194. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 7.20x the Medicare baseline. Located in 501 Van Buren Street, Fostoria, OH.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,194

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,755

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: $2,194 (900%)

Insurance Median: $1,755 (720%)

Cash: $2,194 (900% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,755 (720% 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 720% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 620%). 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
Meridian Health Plan Of Mi	$131	54%
Paramount Health Care	$175 - $1,789	72%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$180 - $2,187	74%
Health Alliance Plan	$180 - $2,531	74%
Health Value Management	$180 - $731	74%
Buckeye Community Health Plan	$185 - $753	76%
Buckeye Community Health Plan Inc	$205 - $1,225	84%
Aetna	$207 - $2,261	85%
Dayton Area Health Plan Dba Caresource	$284 - $1,401	117%
UnitedHealthcare	$376 - $2,018	154%
Amerihealth	$394	162%
Veterans Affairs	$742	304%
Medical Mutual Of Ohio	$1,907 - $2,028	782%
Frontpath Health Coalition	$1,944	797%
Ohio Health Choice	$2,194	900%
Ohio Ppo Connect	$2,194 - $2,531	900%
Health Ohio Network	$2,666	1094%
Connecticut General Life Insurance Company	$2,693	1105%

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 $2,194.
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 Fostoria Community 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.