CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Franciscan Health Indianapolis

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $993
Cash Discount Price: $553
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.07x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Franciscan Health Indianapolis is $993. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $553. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 4.07x the Medicare baseline. Located in 8111 S Emerson Ave, Indianapolis, IN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$553

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$993

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: $553 (227%)

Insurance Median: $993 (407%)

Cash: $553 (227% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $993 (407% 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 407% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 307%). 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
Workers Comp [1172]	$228 - $505	94%
Medicare (plans)	$247 - $278	101%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$313 - $993	128%
Unicare [1150]	$313 - $993	128%
Managed Care [2000]	$379 - $2,817	155%
Mdwise [1175]	$458	188%
Medicaid / KanCare	$458 - $549	188%
Managed Health Services [1302]	$472	194%
Aetna	$529	217%
Commercial [2001]	$957 - $2,817	393%
Humana	$1,750	718%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,761 - $2,817	1133%
United Medical Resources [1158]	$2,817	1156%
United Medical Resources [1301]	$2,817	1156%

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 $553.
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 Franciscan Health Indianapolis 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.