CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Temecula Valley Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,741
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.24x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Temecula Valley Hospital is $2,741. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 11.24x the Medicare baseline. Located in 31700 Temecula Pkwy, Temecula, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,741

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%)

Insurance Median: $2,741 (1124%)

Ins. Median: $2,741 (1124% 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 1124% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1024%). 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
Heritage	$126	52%
Iehp	$126	52%
Molina	$126	52%
Health_Net	$132 - $2,751	54%
United_Healthcare	$168 - $376	69%
Kaiser	$246 - $2,628	101%
Aetna	$335	137%
Cigna	$2,459 - $3,176	1009%
Primecare	$2,730 - $3,526	1120%
Exclusive_Care	$3,082 - $3,981	1264%
Sharp_Health_Plan	$3,082 - $3,981	1264%
Palomar	$3,219 - $4,158	1321%
Blue_Shield	$5,902	2421%
Multiplan	$6,164 - $7,962	2529%

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 $X.
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 Temecula Valley 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.