CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Geisinger-Community Medical Center

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,254
Cash Discount Price: $3,585
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.14x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Geisinger-Community Medical Center is $1,254. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,585. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 5.14x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1822 Mulberry Street, Scranton, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,585

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,254

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: $3,585 (1471%)

Insurance Median: $1,254 (514%)

Cash: $3,585 (1471% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,254 (514% 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 514% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 414%). 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
Geisinger Health Plan	$239 - $687	98%
Medicare (plans)	$239	98%
Prison Health Services	$239	98%
Humana	$244	100%
Aetna	$251 - $3,412	103%
Medicaid / KanCare	$338	139%
Geisinger Family Plan	$348	143%
Amerihealth	$388	159%
Upmc For You	$397	163%
Health Partners	$405	166%
Upmc Chip	$422	173%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$450 - $1,254	185%
Ambetter / Centene	$788	323%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,339	960%
Cigna	$2,550	1046%
Christian Healthcare Ministries	$2,892	1186%
Healthnet	$3,389	1390%
Universal Managed Care	$3,585 - $3,759	1471%
Intergroup Services	$4,626 - $5,205	1898%
Multiplan	$4,916	2017%

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 $3,585.
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 Geisinger-Community 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.