CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Riverside Community Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,850
Cash Discount Price: $13,281
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.59x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Riverside Community Hospital is $1,850. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $13,281. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 7.59x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4445 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$13,281

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,850

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: $13,281 (5448%)

Insurance Median: $1,850 (759%)

Cash: $13,281 (5448% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,850 (759% 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 759% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 659%). 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
La Care Health	$181	74%
Molina	$181	74%
Brand New Day	$200	82%
Inland Empire Health Plan	$263	108%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$343 - $1,043	141%
United	$518 - $3,493	212%
Aetna	$1,850	759%
Blue Shield	$1,895 - $3,049	777%
Medcare Partners	$1,992	817%
First Health	$5,844 - $11,953	2397%
American Health System	$5,976	2451%
Healthsmart	$10,625	4359%
Multiplan	$10,625 - $11,289	4359%
Next	$10,625	4359%

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 $13,281.
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 Riverside Community Hospital 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.