CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $348
Cash Discount Price: $2,414
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.43x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital is $348. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,414. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.43x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1680 East 120Th Street, Los Angeles, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,414

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$348

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: $2,414 (990%)

Insurance Median: $348 (143%)

Cash: $2,414 (990% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $348 (143% 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
Preferred Professional Medical Corporation (Ipa) Of California	$58 - $184	24%
Alta	$186 - $307	76%
Brand New Day	$186 - $11,019	76%
Care1St Health	$186 - $307	76%
Molina Healthcare	$195 - $384	80%
UnitedHealthcare	$286	117%
Heritage Provider Network (Hpn)	$292	120%
La Care Health	$335	137%
Health Net	$348 - $5,510	143%
La Care Health Pasc-Seui	$359	147%
La Care Health Plan	$359	147%
Santa Monica Unite Here	$744	305%
Blue Shield Of California	$2,890 - $8,338	1186%
Multiplan	$5,640 - $14,692	2314%

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 $2,414.
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 Martin Luther King, Jr. Community 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.