CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Memorial Hospital, The

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,673
Cash Discount Price: $1,277
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.86x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Memorial Hospital, The is $1,673. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,277. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 6.86x the Medicare baseline. Located in 750 Hospital Loop, Craig, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,277

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,673

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: $1,277 (524%)

Insurance Median: $1,673 (686%)

Cash: $1,277 (524% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,673 (686% 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 686% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 586%). 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	$727 - $1,965	298%
Care Advantage	$727 - $1,965	298%
Cvs Caremark-Part D	$727 - $1,965	298%
Denver Health	$727 - $1,965	298%
Kaiser	$727 - $1,965	298%
Rmhp Dualcare	$727 - $1,965	298%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,137 - $1,965	466%
Golden Rule Ins	$1,670	685%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,670 - $1,965	685%
Allegiance	$1,673	686%
Cigna	$1,673	686%
Geha	$1,673	686%
Great West Hlthcare	$1,673	686%
Health Partners	$1,673	686%
Multiplan Inc Ppo	$1,808 - $1,867	742%
First Health Other	$1,867	766%
Humana	$1,965	806%

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 $1,277.
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 Memorial Hospital, The 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.