CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $4,281
Cash Discount Price: $9,811
vs. Medicare Baseline: 17.56x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at The Medical Center of Aurora & South Hospital is $4,281. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $9,811. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 17.56x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1501 S Potomac St, Aurora, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$9,811

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$4,281

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: $9,811 (4025%)

Insurance Median: $4,281 (1756%)

Cash: $9,811 (4025% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $4,281 (1756% 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 1756% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1656%). 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 - $7,481	69%
Pinnacol Workers Comp	$377	155%
United	$391 - $4,549	160%
Multiplan	$393 - $9,098	161%
Rocky Mountain Health Plan	$518	212%
Vail Health	$1,446 - $1,537	593%
Aetna	$1,552 - $2,352	637%
Bright Health	$2,854 - $3,033	1171%
Colorado Program For Children With Special Needs	$3,995 - $4,246	1639%
Cigna	$4,756 - $6,470	1951%
Western Plains Community Health	$6,183 - $6,571	2536%
Northcare	$6,659 - $7,076	2732%
Physician Health Partners	$6,659 - $7,076	2732%
Medical Development International	$7,610 - $8,087	3122%
Prime Health	$8,561 - $9,098	3512%

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 $9,811.
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 The Medical Center of Aurora & South 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.