CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Southeast Georgia Health System- Brunswick Campus

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,205
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.94x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Southeast Georgia Health System- Brunswick Campus is $1,205. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 4.94x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2415 Parkwood Drive, Brunswick, GA.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,205

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%)

Insurance Median: $1,205 (494%)

Ins. Median: $1,205 (494% 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 494% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 394%). 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
Amerigroup_Community_Care	$66	27%
Caresource_Georgia_Families	$66	27%
Peachstate_Health_Plan	$66	27%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$191 - $1,425	78%
Caresource	$191 - $287	78%
Humana	$191 - $1,787	78%
UnitedHealthcare	$191	78%
United_Healthcare_Veterans_Administration	$191	78%
Aetna	$195 - $1,706	80%
Clover_Health	$195	80%
Devoted_Health	$199	82%
Pruitthealth	$201	82%
Ambetter / Centene	$306	126%
Sea_Island	$1,425	585%
Sghs_Meritain	$1,425	585%
Coventryone_Hix	$1,526	626%
United_Healthcare	$1,550	636%
Medishare	$1,706	700%
Choicecare	$1,787	733%
Cigna	$1,787	733%
Industry_Buying_Group_Ibg	$1,787	733%
First_Health_Southcare	$1,807	741%
One_Health_Great_West	$1,807	741%
Pponext	$1,907	782%

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 $X.
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 Southeast Georgia Health System- Brunswick Campus 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.