CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Oroville Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $264
Cash Discount Price: $981
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.08x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Oroville Hospital is $264. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $981. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.08x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2767 Olive Highway, Oroville, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$981

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$264

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: $981 (402%)

Insurance Median: $264 (108%)

Cash: $981 (402% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $264 (108% 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$73 - $4,014	30%
Butte County	$95 - $1,271	39%
Cigna	$218 - $2,919	89%
Coventry Health Care	$218 - $2,919	89%
Health Net	$218 - $2,919	89%
Multiplan	$218 - $2,919	89%
Interplan	$231 - $3,102	95%
Three Rivers Provider Network	$231 - $3,102	95%
UnitedHealthcare	$231 - $3,102	95%
Aetna	$233	96%
Community Care	$233	96%
Nivano Physicians Inc	$233	96%
Beech Street	$245 - $3,284	101%
Healthstar	$245 - $3,284	101%
River City Medical Group	$257	105%
Health Payors Organization	$258 - $3,467	106%
Blue Shield Of California	$264 - $3,540	108%
Partnership Healthplan Of California	$385	158%
Blue Shield Value Network	$643	264%

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 $981.
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 Oroville 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.