CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Sarasota Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $168
Cash Discount Price: $1,769
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.69x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Sarasota Memorial Hospital is $168. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,769. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.69x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1700 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,769

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$168

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: $1,769 (726%)

Insurance Median: $168 (69%)

Cash: $1,769 (726% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $168 (69% 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
Simply Healthcare Oncology	$56 - $100	23%
Sunshine State Oncology	$56 - $100	23%
Molina Oncology	$58 - $103	24%
Amerihealth Caritas Oncology	$59 - $105	24%
Community Care Plan Oncology	$59 - $105	24%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$66 - $243	27%
Florida Community Care Oncology	$70 - $149	29%
UnitedHealthcare	$72 - $3,795	30%
Wellcare Oncology	$74 - $127	30%
Simply Freedom Optimum Oncology	$76 - $133	31%
Aetna	$80 - $4,042	33%
Oscar Oncology	$118 - $204	48%
Simply Healthcare	$153 - $161	63%
Sunshine State	$161	66%
Molina	$165	68%
Amerihealth Caritas	$168	69%
Community Care Plan	$168	69%
Florida Community Care	$168 - $267	69%
Ambetter / Centene	$185 - $655	76%
Simply Freedom Optimum	$255	105%
Wellcare	$255	105%
Careworks	$2,513 - $2,759	1031%
Enlyte	$2,513 - $2,759	1031%
Avmed	$2,767 - $3,689	1135%
Usa Managed Care	$3,032 - $4,042	1244%
First Health	$3,146 - $4,194	1291%

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 $1,769.
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 Sarasota Memorial 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.