CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Longs Peak Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $849
Cash Discount Price: $2,272
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.48x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Longs Peak Hospital is $849. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,272. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 3.48x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1750 E Ken Pratt Blvd, Longmont, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,272

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$849

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: $2,272 (932%)

Insurance Median: $849 (348%)

Cash: $2,272 (932% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $849 (348% 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 348% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 248%). 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
Aetna	$243 - $958	100%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$243 - $2,417	100%
Cigna	$243 - $806	100%
Cms	$243	100%
Devoted Health	$243	100%
Humana	$243	100%
Kaiser	$243	100%
Select Health	$243 - $492	100%
UnitedHealthcare	$243 - $1,078	100%
Simplified Benefits Administration	$715 - $2,674	293%
Denver Health Medical Plan	$800 - $3,245	328%
Rocky Mountain Health Plan	$3,310	1358%
First Health	$3,829	1571%
Multiplan	$3,894 - $4,478	1597%
Phcs	$4,543	1864%

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 $2,272.
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 Longs Peak 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.