CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: University of Alabama Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72148
  • Insurance Median: $3,202
  • Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 13.14x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at University of Alabama Hospital is $3,202. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 13.14x the Medicare baseline. Located in 619 South 19Th Street, Birmingham, AL.
Cash / Self-Pay
Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$3,202

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%)
Insurance Median: $3,202 (1314%)
Ins. Median: $3,202 (1314% 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 1314% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1214%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Humana $199 - $3,402 82%
Birmingham Fc $216 89%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $216 89%
Cooper Green $216 89%
Davita Villagehealth $216 89%
Jefferson County Sheriff $216 89%
Triwest $216 89%
UnitedHealthcare $216 - $2,176 89%
Viva $219 - $300 90%
Cigna $232 - $2,681 95%
Ambetter / Centene $298 122%
University Of Alabama $2,001 821%
Aetna $2,441 1001%
Coventry $2,601 - $3,232 1067%
North Alabama Managed Care $2,601 1067%
Comp One $2,881 1182%
Construction Claims Management $2,994 1228%
Alamed $3,002 1231%
Corvel $3,202 1314%
Evolutions $3,202 - $3,602 1314%
Healthcare Alliance $3,202 1314%
Novanet $3,202 - $3,602 1314%
Prime Health Services $3,202 - $3,602 1314%
Select Value Care $3,202 1314%
Starcare $3,202 1314%
Tethys $3,202 1314%
Multiplan $3,282 1346%
Department Of Labor $3,402 1396%
Geha $3,402 1396%
Gulf Health Plans $3,402 1396%
Heritage Summit Health $3,402 1396%
Mississippi Physicians $3,402 1396%
Phifer $3,402 1396%
Preferred Health Partnership $3,402 1396%
Southern Nuclear $3,402 1396%
Vantage Health Plan $3,402 1396%
Galaxy Health Network $3,602 1478%
National Provider Network $3,602 1478%
North Mississippi Health Link $3,602 1478%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 619 South 19Th Street, Birmingham, AL 35233
  • CMS Rating: ★★☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - State
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals