CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Gunnison Valley Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $359
Cash Discount Price: $1,065
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.47x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Gunnison Valley Hospital is $359. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,065. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.47x the Medicare baseline. Located in 711 N Taylor St, Gunnison, CO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,065

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$359

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: $1,065 (437%)

Insurance Median: $359 (147%)

Cash: $1,065 (437% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $359 (147% 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.

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
Cigna	$62 - $2,090	25%
Medicare (plans)	$69 - $1,045	28%
Aetna	$99 - $2,047	41%
Apostrophe-All Plans	$113 - $1,919	46%
Gunnison County Sheriff Op & Profee Only	$192 - $1,095	79%
Medicaid / KanCare	$213 - $326	87%
Ebms Hdhp	$224 - $1,280	92%
Tetwp Op & Profee Only-All Plans	$224 - $1,280	92%
U Of Co Transplant-All Plans	$224 - $1,280	92%
Ebms Ppo Plan-All Other Plans	$262 - $1,493	107%
Gunnison County Employees-All Other Plans	$299 - $1,706	123%
Scottish Rites-All Plans	$299 - $1,706	123%
Elap Employers-All Plans	$318 - $1,813	130%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$328 - $1,869	135%
Multiplan-All Plans	$336 - $1,983	138%
Rocky Mountain Health-All Plans	$355 - $2,026	146%
UnitedHealthcare	$355 - $2,026	146%
Cofinity-All Plans	$359 - $2,047	147%
Gunnison County Coroner Op Only	$1,095	449%

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 $1,065.
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 Gunnison Valley 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.