CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Washington County Hospital and Clinics

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,040
Cash Discount Price: $1,902
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.27x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Washington County Hospital and Clinics is $1,040. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,902. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 4.27x the Medicare baseline. Located in 400 East Polk Street, Washington, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,902

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,040

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: $1,902 (780%)

Insurance Median: $1,040 (427%)

Cash: $1,902 (780% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,040 (427% 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 427% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 327%). 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
Ambetter / Centene	$187	77%
Midlands Choice - All Plans	$221	91%
Aetna	$228 - $2,232	94%
Health Alliance Mcr Adv	$1,014	416%
Med Assoc Mcr Adv	$1,014	416%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,025	420%
Healthpartners Mcr Adv	$1,035	425%
Humana	$1,035	425%
Ia Total Care Wellcare Mcr Adv	$1,045	429%
Molina Mcr Adv - All Other Plans	$1,045	429%
Wellpoint Mcr Adv Amerigrp - All Other Plans	$1,045	429%
Ia Total Care Mcaid	$1,065	437%
Medicaid / KanCare	$1,065	437%
Wellpoint Mcaid Amerigrp	$1,065	437%
Healthpartners - All Other Plans	$2,156	884%
Health Alliance Comm - All Other Plans	$2,409	988%

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 $1,902.
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 Washington County Hospital and Clinics 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.