CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,887
Cash Discount Price: $1,152
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.74x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center is $1,887. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,152. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 7.74x the Medicare baseline. Located in 106 Blanca Ave, Alamosa, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,152

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,887

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: $1,152 (473%)

Insurance Median: $1,887 (774%)

Cash: $1,152 (473% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,887 (774% 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 774% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 674%). 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
Rocky Mountain	$201	82%
Tricare	$243 - $252	100%
Kaiser	$252 - $2,636	103%
Triwest	$252	103%
Uc Health Plan Pb	$389	160%
Presbyterian Health Plan	$566	232%
Aetna	$778 - $2,428	319%
Multiplan Physician	$778	319%
Cigna	$923 - $2,636	379%
Rocky Mountain Pb	$923	379%
Uchpa Phs - Pb	$923	379%
Co Choice Healthplan - Lutheran Hosp Assoc	$1,887	774%
Hmo Health Plans	$1,942	797%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,436 - $2,553	999%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2,442	1002%
Galaxy Health Network	$2,442	1002%
Multiplan	$2,442 - $2,498	1002%
Humana	$2,498	1025%
Pinnacol Assurance	$2,581	1059%
Colorado Access	$2,622	1076%
Foundation Health Corp	$2,636	1081%
Uc Health Plan	$2,636	1081%
Uchpa Phs	$2,636	1081%

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 $1,152.
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 San Luis Valley Regional 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.