CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Van Diest Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $624
Cash Discount Price: $714
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.56x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Van Diest Medical Center is $624. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $714. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.56x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2350 Hospital Drive, Webster City, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$714

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$624

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: $714 (293%)

Insurance Median: $624 (256%)

Cash: $714 (293% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $624 (256% 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 256% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 156%). 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
Humana	$401	164%
Medical Associates	$401 - $669	164%
Amerigroup	$405 - $515	166%
Partners Health Alliance	$462	190%
Aetna	$508 - $803	208%
Iowa Total Care	$510	209%
Molina Healthcare	$517	212%
UnitedHealthcare	$526 - $803	216%
Midlands Choice	$624	256%
Health Alliance-Midwest, Inc. Of Ia	$669	274%

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 $714.
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 Van Diest Medical 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.