CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: University of Colorado Hospital Authority

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,217
Cash Discount Price: $2,577
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.99x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at University of Colorado Hospital Authority is $1,217. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,577. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 4.99x the Medicare baseline. Located in 12605 E 16Th Ave, Aurora, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,577

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,217

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: $2,577 (1057%)

Insurance Median: $1,217 (499%)

Cash: $2,577 (1057% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,217 (499% 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 499% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 399%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$236 - $1,569	97%
Aetna	$243 - $1,438	100%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$243 - $4,330	100%
Cigna	$243 - $746	100%
Cms	$243	100%
Denver Health Medical Plan	$243 - $3,902	100%
Devoted Health	$243	100%
Humana	$243	100%
Kaiser	$243 - $4,323	100%
Select Health	$243 - $518	100%
Simplified Benefits Administration	$772 - $813	317%
Rocky Mountain Health Plan	$2,403 - $3,755	986%
Kaiser Public Option	$2,874	1179%
Phcs	$4,049	1661%
Multiplan	$4,417	1812%
First Health	$5,153	2114%
Midlands Choice	$5,153	2114%

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 $2,577.
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 University of Colorado Hospital Authority 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.