CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Orthocolorado Hosp at St Anthony Med Campus

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $543
Cash Discount Price: $2,677
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.23x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Orthocolorado Hosp at St Anthony Med Campus is $543. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,677. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.23x the Medicare baseline. Located in 11650 W 2Nd Pl, Lakewood, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,677

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$543

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: $2,677 (1098%)

Insurance Median: $543 (223%)

Cash: $2,677 (1098% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $543 (223% 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 223% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 123%). 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	$123 - $518	50%
Aetna	$124 - $615	51%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$124 - $746	51%
Cigna	$124 - $585	51%
Devoted Health	$124	51%
Humana	$124	51%
Innovage	$124	51%
Kaiser	$124 - $1,844	51%
Medicare (plans)	$124	51%
Direct To Employer	$461 - $2,677	189%
United Colorado Doctor'S Plan	$518	212%
Centura Employee Plan	$543	223%
Peak Health	$619 - $2,610	254%
Multiplan	$815 - $5,688	334%
Denver Health	$1,579	648%

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 $2,677.
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 Orthocolorado Hosp at St Anthony Med Campus 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.