CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Natividad Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,993
Cash Discount Price: $4,275
vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.28x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Natividad Medical Center is $2,993. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $4,275. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 12.28x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1441 Constitution Boulevard, Salinas, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$4,275

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,993

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: $4,275 (1754%)

Insurance Median: $2,993 (1228%)

Cash: $4,275 (1754% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,993 (1228% 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 1228% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1128%). 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
Aspire Mcr Adv - All Plans	$339	139%
Wgat Cedar - All Plans	$424	174%
Pacific Health Alliance - All Plans	$2,351	964%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2,757	1131%
Blue Shield - All Plans	$2,779	1140%
Aetna	$3,206	1315%
UnitedHealthcare	$3,334	1368%
Cigna	$3,634	1491%
Medi-Cal	$4,275	1754%
Medi-Cal Hmo - All Plans	$4,360	1789%

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 $4,275.
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 Natividad 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.