CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Steele Memorial Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,399
Cash Discount Price: $1,914
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.84x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Steele Memorial Medical Center is $2,399. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,914. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 9.84x the Medicare baseline. Located in 203 South Daisy Street, Salmon, ID.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,914

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,399

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: $1,914 (785%)

Insurance Median: $2,399 (984%)

Cash: $1,914 (785% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,399 (984% 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 984% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 884%). 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
Aetna	$1,148 - $2,424	471%
Pacific Source Mcr Adv	$1,199	492%
Windsor Hp Mcr Adv - All Plans	$1,199	492%
Select Health Mcr Adv	$1,211	497%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,223 - $2,552	502%
Liberty Healthshare - All Plans	$2,039	836%
Pacific Source - All Other Plans	$2,297	942%
Cigna	$2,353	965%
Mountain Health Co-Op - All Plans	$2,424	994%
Select Health Inc - All Other Plans	$2,424	994%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,424	994%
Multiplan - All Plans	$2,501	1026%
Three Rivers - All Plans	$2,501	1026%
Ichn, Llc - All Plans	$2,552	1047%
Regence Blue Shield - All Plans	$6,380	2617%

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 $1,914.
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 Steele Memorial 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.