CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Adventist Health Delano

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,424
Cash Discount Price: $532
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.84x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Adventist Health Delano is $1,424. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $532. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 5.84x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1401 Garces Highway, Delano, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$532

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,424

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: $532 (218%)

Insurance Median: $1,424 (584%)

Cash: $532 (218% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,424 (584% 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 584% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 484%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$290 - $2,527	119%
Bakersfield Fam Med Grp-All Plans	$307	126%
Healthnet Mcr Adv	$307	126%
Kern Mcr Adv Dual Dnsp-All Other Plans	$307	126%
Medicare (plans)	$307 - $491	126%
Tricare	$307	126%
UnitedHealthcare	$307 - $2,185	126%
Universal Care Mcr- All Other Plans	$307	126%
Dignty Hlth Com/Mcr Op Only - All Other Plans	$350	144%
Dignty Hlth Mcal Op Only	$350	144%
Kaiser Medi-Cal Ip/Op Only	$390	160%
Medi-Cal	$390	160%
Universal Care Mcal	$390	160%
Healthnet Medi-Cal	$465	191%
Blue Shield Epn - All Other Plans	$499 - $665	205%
Kern Health System Mcal	$503	206%
Kaiser Comm Ip/Op Only- All Other Plans	$528	217%
Ah Employee Health Plan - All Plans	$552	226%
Centivo - All Plans	$690	283%
Healthnet- All Other Plans	$1,253 - $1,489	514%
Coventry- All Plans	$1,367 - $1,822	561%
Blue Shield Non-Epn	$1,481 - $1,974	608%
County Of Kern Network - All Plans	$1,595 - $2,126	654%
Gem Care- All Plans	$1,595 - $2,126	654%
Aetna	$1,649	676%
Foundation For Medical Care Of Kern County - All P	$1,708 - $2,278	701%
Cigna	$1,822 - $2,430	747%
Western Growers - All Plans	$1,845 - $2,460	757%

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 $532.
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 Adventist Health Delano 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.