CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: HCA Florida Northwest Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,863
Cash Discount Price: $11,264
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.74x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital is $2,863. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $11,264. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 11.74x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2801 N State Rd 7, Margate, FL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$11,264

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,863

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: $11,264 (4621%)

Insurance Median: $2,863 (1174%)

Cash: $11,264 (4621% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,863 (1174% 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 1174% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1074%). 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 - $5,069	212%
Freedom Health	$969 - $1,802	398%
Optimum	$969	398%
Aetna	$1,060 - $3,379	435%
Avmed	$1,088 - $5,632	446%
Simply Healthcare Plans	$1,464	601%
Molina	$2,140 - $3,041	878%
Health Sun Health Plan	$2,399	984%
Mmm Of Fl (Health Advantage Plan)	$2,591	1063%
United Ppo	$2,670	1095%
Corvel Corporation	$2,739	1124%
Careworks (Rockport)	$2,797	1147%
Prime Health	$2,797	1147%
Sunshine State Health Plan	$2,974	1220%
Blis	$3,942	1617%
Plotkin Health	$5,632	2310%
Prime Health Sherriff	$5,632	2310%
Medica Healthcare	$6,533	2680%
Multiplan	$8,448 - $9,574	3466%

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 $11,264.
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 Northwest 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.