CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, brain (no contrast)

Facility: Vidant Roanoke Chowan Hospital

Billing Code: 70551 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 70551
Insurance Median: $3,510
Cash Discount Price: $3,175
vs. Medicare Baseline: 14.40x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, brain (no contrast) at Vidant Roanoke Chowan Hospital is $3,510. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,175. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 14.40x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 S Academy St, Ahoskie, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,175

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,510

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: $3,175 (1302%)

Insurance Median: $3,510 (1440%)

Cash: $3,175 (1302% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,510 (1440% 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 1440% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1340%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$243 - $3,101	100%
Humana	$243	100%
UnitedHealthcare	$248 - $3,130	102%
Liberty Advantage [1313]	$255	105%
Aetna	$255 - $4,638	105%
Longevity Health [1411]	$316	130%
Carolina Complete Health [1317]	$1,407	577%
Wellcare [1320]	$1,414	580%
Amerihealth McAid Adv [1316]	$1,421	583%
Nc Dept of Public Safety [1095]	$2,064	847%
Medcost [1067]	$3,510 - $3,697	1440%
Cigna	$4,820 - $5,443	1977%
Multiplan [1031]	$5,386	2209%

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 $3,175.
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 Vidant Roanoke Chowan 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.