CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,344
Cash Discount Price: $3,112
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.62x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center is $2,344. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,112. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 9.62x the Medicare baseline. Located in 751 Medical Center Court, Chula Vista, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,112

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,344

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: $3,112 (1277%)

Insurance Median: $2,344 (962%)

Cash: $3,112 (1277% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,344 (962% 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 962% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 862%). 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
Managed Health Network	$95 - $112	39%
Molina	$95 - $3,319	39%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$112 - $3,319	46%
UnitedHealthcare	$112 - $2,311	46%
Medi-Cal	$212 - $2,593	87%
Allianz Global Assistance	$224	92%
County Medical Services	$262 - $4,066	107%
Health Net	$622 - $3,112	255%
Blue Shield	$1,106 - $3,112	454%
Community Health Group	$1,162	477%
Aetna	$1,232 - $2,904	505%
California Health And Wellness	$1,232	505%
Epic Americas	$1,245 - $2,489	511%
Cigna	$1,992 - $3,112	817%
Interplan	$2,344	962%
Kaiser	$2,635	1081%
Multiplan	$3,319	1362%
Humana	$3,402	1396%
Indian Health Council	$3,402	1396%

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 $3,112.
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 Sharp Chula Vista 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.