CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: University Medical Center of El Paso

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $238
Cash Discount Price: $244
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.98x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at University Medical Center of El Paso is $238. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $244. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.98x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4815 Alameda Ave, El Paso, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$244

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$238

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: $244 (100%)

Insurance Median: $238 (98%)

Cash: $244 (100% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $238 (98% 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
Aetna	$126 - $650	52%
Healthnet	$187	77%
Amerigroup Tx	$202 - $238	83%
Medicaid / KanCare	$202	83%
Molina Tx	$202	83%
Superior Tx	$210	86%
Cigna	$238 - $1,119	98%
El Paso Health Dual	$238	98%
Medicare (plans)	$238	98%
Molina	$238	98%
Wellcare	$238	98%
Wellmed	$238	98%
El Paso Health	$366 - $1,883	150%
UnitedHealthcare	$597	245%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$713 - $928	292%
Humana	$782	321%

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 $244.
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 University Medical Center of El Paso 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.