CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: The East Alabama Healthcare Authority

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $394
Cash Discount Price: $275
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.62x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at The East Alabama Healthcare Authority is $394. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $275. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.62x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2000 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$275

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$394

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: $275 (113%)

Insurance Median: $394 (162%)

Cash: $275 (113% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $394 (162% 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	$64 - $507	26%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$64 - $397	26%
Cigna	$64 - $431	26%
Humana	$64 - $434	26%
Simpra	$64 - $219	26%
Viva	$64 - $544	26%
Novanet	$74 - $76	30%
Beechstreet	$206 - $431	85%
Alabama Crime Victims	$246 - $254	101%
Mcm Maxcare	$394 - $406	162%
Mega Life	$394 - $406	162%
UnitedHealthcare	$394 - $406	162%
Coventry First Health	$418 - $431	171%
Geha	$418 - $431	171%
Multiplan	$418 - $431	171%
Workers Comp	$418 - $431	171%
Trpn	$443 - $456	182%

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 $275.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 72148.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm The East Alabama Healthcare Authority is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 72148.
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.