CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,945
Cash Discount Price: $3,476
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.98x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down is $1,945. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,476. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 7.98x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 E Market Street, Iowa City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,476

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,945

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: $3,476 (1426%)

Insurance Median: $1,945 (798%)

Cash: $3,476 (1426% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,945 (798% 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 798% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 698%). 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
Immergrun	$119 - $1,241	49%
Aetna	$175 - $2,974	72%
Iowa Total Care	$175 - $1,986	72%
Medical Associates	$175 - $2,482	72%
Molina Healthcare	$175 - $1,986	72%
UnitedHealthcare	$175 - $2,459	72%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$176 - $2,383	72%
Healthpartners	$178 - $4,220	73%
Wellpoint (Amerigroup)	$183 - $239	75%
Oscar Health	$301 - $3,128	123%
Great River Health Systems	$334 - $3,476	137%
Quad City Community Healthcare	$358 - $3,724	147%
Sedgwick	$382 - $3,972	157%
Global Excel	$405 - $4,220	166%
Sanford Health Plan	$405 - $4,220	166%
Employee Benefit Systems	$420 - $4,468	172%
Sisco	$420 - $4,369	172%
Healthsmart	$429 - $4,468	176%
Hfn	$439 - $4,568	180%
Multiplan	$439 - $4,568	180%
Aplos Health Plan	$501 - $3,972	206%
Midlands Choice	$1,653 - $3,227	678%

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 $3,476.
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 University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Down 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.