CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Magee Womens Hospital of UPMC Health System

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $2,784
Cash Discount Price: $4,272
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.42x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Magee Womens Hospital of UPMC Health System is $2,784. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $4,272. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 11.42x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Halket Street, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$4,272

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,784

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: $4,272 (1752%)

Insurance Median: $2,784 (1142%)

Cash: $4,272 (1752% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,784 (1142% 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 1142% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1042%). 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
Upmc Health Plan	$216 - $1,801	89%
Aetna	$242 - $3,774	99%
Amerihealth Caritas	$249 - $534	102%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$249 - $501	102%
UnitedHealthcare	$249 - $371	102%
Geisinger	$526	216%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$573 - $3,328	235%
Pa Health & Wellness	$575	236%
Premier Comp Solutions	$1,167	479%
Upmc Work Partners	$1,233	506%
Cigna	$2,848 - $3,774	1168%
Intergroup	$3,560	1460%
Coventry/First Health	$4,984	2045%
Preferred Healthcare System	$5,696	2337%
Humana	$6,052	2483%
Private Health Care Systems	$6,052	2483%
Multiplan	$6,550	2687%

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 $4,272.
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 Magee Womens Hospital of UPMC 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.