CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Kossuth Regional Health Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,437
Cash Discount Price: $2,569
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.00x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Kossuth Regional Health Center is $2,437. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,569. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 10.00x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1515 South Phillips Street, Algona, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,569

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,437

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: $2,569 (1054%)

Insurance Median: $2,437 (1000%)

Cash: $2,569 (1054% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,437 (1000% 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 1000% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 900%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$311 - $341	128%
Mercy One - All Plans	$1,220	500%
Va Ccn - All Plans	$1,220	500%
Humana	$1,232	505%
Amerigroup Mcr Adv - All Other Plans	$1,245	511%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,257 - $2,437	516%
Health Partners New Bus - All Other Plans	$2,248	922%
Midlands Choice - All Plans	$2,248	922%
Medical Associates - All Plans	$2,729	1119%
Preferred Health - All Plans	$2,729	1119%
Aetna	$2,986 - $3,115	1225%
Multiplan - All Plans	$3,050	1251%
Health Partners Exisiting Bus	$3,115	1278%
Molina Mcaid/Chip - All Plans	$3,307	1357%
Amerigroup Mcaid	$3,339	1370%

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 $2,569.
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 Kossuth Regional Health Center 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.