CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: HCA Florida Blake Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,951
Cash Discount Price: $7,226
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.00x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at HCA Florida Blake Hospital is $1,951. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $7,226. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 8.00x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2020 59Th St W, Bradenton, FL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$7,226

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,951

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: $7,226 (2964%)

Insurance Median: $1,951 (800%)

Cash: $7,226 (2964% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,951 (800% 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 800% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 700%). 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
Access 2 Healthcare Physicians Freedom Optimum Group Members	$340	139%
United	$518 - $3,252	212%
Access 2 Healthcare Physicians Freedom Health	$520	213%
Access 2 Healthcare Physicians Optimum	$520	213%
Freedom Health Care	$564	231%
Optimum Healthcare	$564	231%
Avmed	$1,080 - $3,418	443%
Aetna	$1,101 - $2,168	452%
Simply Healthcare	$1,228	504%
Molina	$1,373 - $1,951	563%
Sunshine State Health Plan	$1,843	756%
Corvel Corporation	$2,529	1037%
Rockport Healthcare Group	$2,529	1037%
Prime Health	$2,583	1060%
Behealthy America	$2,818	1156%
Plotkin Health	$3,613	1482%
Prime Health Sheriff	$3,613	1482%
Evolutions Healthcare Systems	$4,336 - $6,648	1779%
Multiplan	$5,420 - $6,142	2223%

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 $7,226.
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 Blake 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.