CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Putnam County Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,131
Cash Discount Price: $2,210
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.74x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Putnam County Hospital is $2,131. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,210. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 8.74x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1542 S Bloomington St, Greencastle, IN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,210

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,131

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: $2,210 (907%)

Insurance Median: $2,131 (874%)

Cash: $2,210 (907% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,131 (874% 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 874% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 774%). 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
Caresource Hip Mcaid	$117	48%
Caresource Hoosier Healthwise	$117	48%
Indiana Univeristy Qhp	$500	205%
Indiana University Plan	$500	205%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$858 - $2,322	352%
Caresource Just4Me - All Other Plans	$910	373%
Caresource Mcr Advantage	$910	373%
Humana	$910 - $2,146	373%
Sagamore Health Ip-All Plans	$2,262	928%
Cigna	$2,392	981%
Aetna	$2,470	1013%
Encore-All Plans	$2,470	1013%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,470	1013%
Indiana Health Network Ip-All Other Plans	$2,522	1035%

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 $2,210.
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 Putnam County Hospital 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.