CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Wabash General Hospital 1

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $3,244
Cash Discount Price: $4,474
vs. Medicare Baseline: 13.31x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Wabash General Hospital 1 is $3,244. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $4,474. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 13.31x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1418 College Drive, Mount Carmel, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$4,474

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,244

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: $4,474 (1835%)

Insurance Median: $3,244 (1331%)

Cash: $4,474 (1835% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,244 (1331% 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 1331% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1231%). 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	$583 - $2,953	239%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$583 - $3,892	239%
Meridian Mcaid - All Plans	$583	239%
Molina Mcaid - All Plans	$583	239%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,136 - $1,387	466%
Health Alliance Mcr Adv - All Plans	$1,415	580%
Healthlink Hmo	$3,132	1285%
Cigna	$3,356	1377%
Encore Combined Ip/Op Only	$3,356	1377%
Hope Trust - All Plans	$3,356	1377%
Healthlink Ppo - All Other Plans	$3,579	1468%
Phcs - All Plans	$3,579	1468%
Health Smart - All Plans	$3,803	1560%
Hfn - All Plans	$3,803	1560%
Multiplan - All Plans	$3,803	1560%
Siho Network - All Plans	$3,803	1560%
Encore Health Network Ip/Op Only - All Other Plans	$4,027	1652%

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 $4,474.
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 Wabash General Hospital 1 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.