CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: UPMC Altoona

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $1,416
Cash Discount Price: $1,699
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.81x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at UPMC Altoona is $1,416. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,699. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 5.81x the Medicare baseline. Located in 620 Howard Avenue, Altoona, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,699

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,416

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: $1,699 (697%)

Insurance Median: $1,416 (581%)

Cash: $1,699 (697% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,416 (581% 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 581% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 481%). 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	$269 - $1,501	110%
UnitedHealthcare	$282 - $1,452	116%
Upmc Health Plan	$296 - $1,963	121%
Geisinger	$374 - $1,558	153%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$399 - $1,416	164%
Upmc Work Partners	$400	164%
Health Partners Plans (Jefferson Health Plan)	$406	167%
Amerihealth Caritas	$420	172%
Pa Health & Wellness	$458	188%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$567	233%
Cigna	$1,416	581%
Preferred Healthcare System	$1,416	581%
Private Health Care Systems	$2,266	930%

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 $1,699.
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 UPMC Altoona 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.