CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: University of Arkansas Medical Sciences

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $151
Cash Discount Price: $608
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.62x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at University of Arkansas Medical Sciences is $151. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $608. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.62x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4301 West Markham Street Mail Slot 612, Little Rock, AR.

Cash / Self-Pay

$608

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$151

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: $608 (249%)

Insurance Median: $151 (62%)

Cash: $608 (249% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $151 (62% 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
Triwest	$87 - $216	36%
Medicare (plans)	$89 - $228	37%
Va	$89 - $223	37%
Aetna	$90 - $225	37%
Tribute Health	$90 - $225	37%
Wellcare By Allwell	$91 - $228	37%
Wellcare Non	$91 - $228	37%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$92 - $351	38%
Humana	$92 - $230	38%
Primewell Health Services	$92 - $627	38%
UnitedHealthcare	$92 - $679	38%
Cigna	$93 - $890	38%
Essence Healthcare	$93 - $232	38%
Devoted Health Plan	$94 - $234	39%
Ambetter / Centene	$131 - $328	54%
Northwest Health Plan	$151 - $378	62%
Qualchoice Novasys	$151 - $378	62%
Vantos	$152 - $379	62%
Health Advantage	$351	144%

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 $608.
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 University of Arkansas Medical Sciences 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.