CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: St Luke's McCall

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,787
Cash Discount Price: $2,472
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.33x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at St Luke's McCall is $1,787. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,472. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 7.33x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 State Street, McCall, ID.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,472

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,787

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: $2,472 (1014%)

Insurance Median: $1,787 (733%)

Cash: $2,472 (1014% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,787 (733% 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 733% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 633%). 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
Commercial [1028]	$1,077 - $2,964	442%
Medicare (plans)	$1,077 - $1,826	442%
Veterans Affairs [1056]	$1,077 - $1,790	442%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,088 - $2,717	446%
Aetna	$1,185 - $2,933	486%
Moda [1055]	$1,634 - $2,717	670%
Cigna	$1,727 - $2,871	708%
Providence [1022]	$1,727 - $2,871	708%
Pacificsource [1020]	$1,746 - $2,902	716%
First Health [1064]	$1,764 - $2,933	724%
Webtpa [1071]	$1,764 - $2,933	724%
Geha [1065]	$1,783 - $2,964	731%
United Medical Resources [1051]	$1,783 - $2,964	731%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,783 - $2,964	731%

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 $2,472.
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 St Luke's McCall 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.