CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $5,700
Cash Discount Price: $14,000
vs. Medicare Baseline: 23.38x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is $5,700. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $14,000. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 23.38x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 Mar-Walt Dr, Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$14,000

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$5,700

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: $14,000 (5743%)

Insurance Median: $5,700 (2338%)

Cash: $14,000 (5743% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $5,700 (2338% 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 2338% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2238%). 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 - $6,300	212%
Simply	$2,156	884%
Corvel Corporation	$2,519	1033%
Prime Health	$2,572	1055%
Careworks (Rockport Community)	$2,651	1088%
Molina Healthcare	$2,660 - $4,480	1091%
Avmed	$3,110 - $7,000	1276%
Aetna	$3,399 - $5,100	1394%
Sunshine State Health Plan	$3,570	1464%
Plotkin Health	$7,000	2872%
Prime Health Sheriff	$7,000	2872%
Evolutions Healthcare	$9,100 - $12,600	3733%
Naphcare	$9,100	3733%
Multiplan	$10,920 - $11,900	4480%
Evernorth	$11,200	4594%
Ppo Next	$11,900	4882%
Novanet	$12,600	5169%
Beacon Health Options	$14,000	5743%

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 $14,000.
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 Fort Walton-Destin 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.