CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Community Memorial Hospital - Ventura

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $326
Cash Discount Price: $781
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.34x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Community Memorial Hospital - Ventura is $326. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $781. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.34x the Medicare baseline. Located in 147 North Brent Street, Ventura, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$781

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$326

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: $781 (320%)

Insurance Median: $326 (134%)

Cash: $781 (320% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $326 (134% 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
Seaview	$150	62%
Valley Care	$260 - $326	107%
Tricare	$292	120%
Aetna	$307 - $2,858	126%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$307 - $933	126%
California Workers Compensation	$307	126%
Medicare (plans)	$307 - $313	126%
Non Contracted	$307 - $826	126%
Wellcare Of California	$307	126%
Alignment Health Plan	$313	128%
Humana	$313	128%
Scan Health Plan	$313	128%
UnitedHealthcare	$313 - $525	128%
Ventura County Health Care Plan	$326	134%
Gold Coast Health Plan	$456 - $1,237	187%
Medicaid / KanCare	$456 - $1,207	187%
Cigna	$612	251%
Health Net Commercial	$683	280%
Multiplan	$781	320%
Medi-Cal	$826	339%
Kaiser Commercial	$2,231	915%
Blue Shield Epn	$2,442	1002%
Blue Shield Commercial	$2,738	1123%

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 $781.
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 Community Memorial Hospital - Ventura 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.