CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Ouachita County Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,567
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.43x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Ouachita County Medical Center is $1,567. 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 6.43x the Medicare baseline. Located in 638 California Avenue, Camden, AR.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,567

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: $1,567 (643%)

Ins. Median: $1,567 (643% 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 643% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 543%). 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
Arkansas Firstsource	$224 - $2,499	92%
Blue Advantage	$224 - $2,499	92%
Blue Card	$224 - $2,499	92%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$224 - $2,499	92%
Health Advantage	$224 - $2,499	92%
Arkansas Totalcare	$432 - $981	177%
Medicaid / KanCare	$432	177%
UnitedHealthcare	$518 - $1,388	212%
Self Pay	$784 - $1,388	322%
Municipal Health Benefit	$940 - $1,666	386%
Cigna	$1,027 - $1,819	421%
Aetna	$1,175 - $2,083	482%
Amco	$1,567 - $2,777	643%
Mutual Of Omaha	$1,567 - $2,777	643%
Qualchoice Exchange	$1,567 - $2,777	643%
Qualchoice Of Arkansas	$1,567 - $2,777	643%
Usable Life Group Health	$1,567 - $2,777	643%

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 $X.
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 Ouachita County Medical Center 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.