CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Punxsutawney Area Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $253
Cash Discount Price: $475
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.04x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Punxsutawney Area Hospital is $253. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $475. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.04x the Medicare baseline. Located in 81 Hillcrest Drive, Punxsutawney, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$475

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$253

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: $475 (195%)

Insurance Median: $253 (104%)

Cash: $475 (195% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $253 (104% 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.

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
Highmark Wholecare	$110 - $296	45%
UnitedHealthcare	$126 - $796	52%
Highmark	$158 - $3,451	65%
Tricare	$165 - $226	68%
Aetna	$180 - $548	74%
Amerihealth Caritas	$180 - $296	74%
United Mine Workers Of America	$183 - $249	75%
Upmc Health Plan	$183 - $1,589	75%
Geisinger Health Plan	$184 - $355	75%
Cigna	$190 - $950	78%
Ambetter / Centene	$193 - $363	79%
Pa Health And Wellness Commercial	$229 - $498	94%
Humana	$245	101%
Geisinger	$257 - $697	105%
Pa Workers Compensation	$915 - $1,599	375%

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 $475.
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 Punxsutawney Area 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.