CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Medstar Health Physical Therapy

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $794
Cash Discount Price: $883
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.26x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Medstar Health Physical Therapy is $794. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $883. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 3.26x the Medicare baseline. Located in 102 Irving St Nw, Washington, DC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$883

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$794

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: $883 (362%)

Insurance Median: $794 (326%)

Cash: $883 (362% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $794 (326% 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 326% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 226%). 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
Carefirst Advantage Inc	$125 - $250	51%
Tricare	$127 - $254	52%
UnitedHealthcare	$127 - $1,086	52%
Aetna	$129 - $507	53%
Health Care Service Corporation	$131 - $262	54%
Humana	$131 - $262	54%
Kaiser Permanente	$131 - $760	54%
Carefirst Blue Choice Inc	$665 - $869	273%
Jhhc	$883	362%
Pfc	$883	362%
Medstar Family Choice Inc	$964	395%
Cigna	$1,018	418%
Kaiser	$1,062	436%
First Health	$1,154	473%
Private Healthcare Systems (Phcs)	$1,154	473%

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 $883.
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 Medstar Health Physical Therapy 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.