CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: UPMC Wellsboro

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $2,429
Cash Discount Price: $2,650
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.96x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at UPMC Wellsboro is $2,429. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,650. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 9.96x the Medicare baseline. Located in 32-36 Central Avenue, Wellsboro, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,650

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,429

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: $2,650 (1087%)

Insurance Median: $2,429 (996%)

Cash: $2,650 (1087% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,429 (996% 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 996% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 896%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$344 - $3,397	141%
Amerihealth Caritas	$371	152%
Geisinger	$371 - $2,678	152%
Upmc Health Plan	$371 - $1,743	152%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$376 - $799	154%
Health Partners Plans (Jefferson Health Plan)	$509	209%
Pa Health & Wellness	$575 - $863	236%
Aetna	$653 - $3,449	268%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$725 - $2,021	297%
Cigna	$761 - $839	312%
Upmc Work Partners	$1,125	462%
Wirerope Works	$2,016 - $2,222	827%
Multiplan	$2,828 - $3,797	1160%
America'S Choice	$3,263 - $3,597	1339%
Intergroup	$3,263 - $3,597	1339%

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 $2,650.
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 Wellsboro 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.