CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Mercyone Dubuque Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72148
  • Insurance Median: $525
  • Cash Discount Price: $3,478
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.15x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Mercyone Dubuque Medical Center is $525. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,478. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.15x the Medicare baseline. Located in 250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque, IA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$3,478

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$525

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: $3,478 (1427%)
Insurance Median: $525 (215%)
Cash: $3,478 (1427% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $525 (215% 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 215% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 115%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Iowa Total Care $214 88%
Medicaid / KanCare $216 - $217 89%
Aetna $232 - $4,467 95%
Medicare (plans) $232 - $242 95%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $235 96%
UnitedHealthcare $237 - $5,350 97%
Amish Hospital Aid $315 129%
Oscar $324 133%
Centivo $371 152%
Ambetter / Centene $398 163%
Claimdoc $477 196%
Nova $477 196%
Geha $525 215%
Health Choices $1,399 574%
Preferred Health Choice $1,910 784%
Midlands Choice $3,103 - $4,815 1273%
Wps $3,205 1315%
The Alliance $3,232 1326%
Mhnet $4,280 1756%
1199 National Benefit Fund $4,467 1832%
Allied Benefit Systems $4,467 1832%
Asr Health Benefits $4,467 1832%
Christian Brother Services $4,467 1832%
Coventry $4,467 1832%
First Health $4,467 1832%
Lucent Health $4,467 1832%
Luminare Health $4,467 1832%
Medical Mutual $4,467 1832%
Meritain $4,467 1832%
Trustmark Small Business Benefits $4,467 1832%
Webtpa $4,467 1832%
Auxiant $4,815 1975%
Cigna $4,815 1975%
Medica $4,815 1975%
Midlands $4,815 1975%
Multiplan $4,815 1975%
Unity $4,815 1975%
Crime Victim Assistance $5,350 2195%
Iowa Dept Of Public Health $5,350 2195%
Stephenson Cty Health $5,350 2195%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque, IA 52001
  • CMS Rating: ★★★☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Church
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals