CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: HCA Healthone Mountain Ridge

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $3,589
Cash Discount Price: $11,357
vs. Medicare Baseline: 14.72x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at HCA Healthone Mountain Ridge is $3,589. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $11,357. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 14.72x the Medicare baseline. Located in 9191 Grant St, Thornton, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$11,357

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,589

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: $11,357 (4659%)

Insurance Median: $3,589 (1472%)

Cash: $11,357 (4659% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,589 (1472% 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 1472% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1372%). 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	$169 - $10,066	69%
Life Source Services	$350	144%
Pinnacol Workers Comp	$377	155%
United	$391 - $6,121	160%
Multiplan	$393 - $12,242	161%
Rocky Mountain Health Plan	$518	212%
Vail Health	$1,385 - $2,068	568%
Aetna	$1,552 - $2,352	637%
Kaiser	$1,722 - $2,571	706%
Bright Health	$2,734 - $4,081	1122%
Colorado Program For Children With Special Needs	$3,098 - $4,625	1271%
Cigna	$5,832 - $8,706	2392%
Western Plains Community Health	$5,923 - $8,842	2430%
Northcare	$6,378 - $9,522	2616%
Physician Health Partners	$6,378 - $9,522	2616%
Medical Development International	$7,289 - $10,882	2990%
Prime Health	$8,201 - $12,242	3364%

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 $11,357.
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 HCA Healthone Mountain Ridge 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.