CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: HCA Florida St Petersburg Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,928
Cash Discount Price: $18,415
vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.01x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at HCA Florida St Petersburg Hospital is $2,928. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $18,415. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 12.01x the Medicare baseline. Located in 6500 38Th Ave N, Saint Petersburg, FL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$18,415

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,928

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: $18,415 (7554%)

Insurance Median: $2,928 (1201%)

Cash: $18,415 (7554% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,928 (1201% 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 1201% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1101%). 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
United	$518 - $8,287	212%
Access 2 Healthcare Physicians Freedom Optimum Group Members	$866	355%
Avmed	$1,080 - $3,418	443%
Aetna	$1,186 - $5,524	487%
Access 2 Healthcare Physicians Freedom Health	$1,326	544%
Access 2 Healthcare Physicians Optimum	$1,326	544%
Freedom Health Care	$1,436	589%
Optimum Healthcare	$1,436	589%
Corvel Corporation	$2,529	1037%
Rockport Healthcare Group	$2,529	1037%
Prime Health	$2,583	1060%
Simply Healthcare	$2,836	1163%
Molina	$3,499 - $4,972	1435%
Sunshine State Health Plan	$4,696	1926%
Evolutions Healthcare Systems	$9,208 - $16,942	3777%
Plotkin Health	$9,208	3777%
Prime Health Sheriff	$9,208	3777%
Multiplan	$13,811 - $15,653	5666%

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 $18,415.
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 HCA Florida St Petersburg 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.