CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Norton Scott Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,300
Cash Discount Price: $893
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.33x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Norton Scott Hospital is $1,300. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $893. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 5.33x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1451 N Gardner St, Scottsburg, IN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$893

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,300

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: $893 (366%)

Insurance Median: $1,300 (533%)

Cash: $893 (366% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,300 (533% 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 533% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 433%). 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 Indiana Healthy Indiana Plan (Hip)	$117	48%
Managed Health Services (Mhs)	$117 - $1,072	48%
Managed Health Services (Mhs) Hoosier Care Connect	$117	48%
UnitedHealthcare	$117 - $2,662	48%
Caresource Indiana Hoosier Healthwise (Hhw)	$118	48%
Mdwise Hoosier Healthwise (Hhw)	$123	50%
Molina Healthcare	$249 - $256	102%
Aetna	$450	185%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$983 - $2,622	403%
Managed Health Services (Mhs) Healthy Indiana Plan (Hip)	$1,072	440%
Mdwise Healthy Indiana Plan (Hip)	$1,072	440%
Communicare Advantage	$1,104	453%
Cigna	$1,600	656%
Caresource Indiana Just4Me	$1,608	660%
Multiplan	$3,574 - $3,797	1466%
Encore Health Network	$3,797	1558%
Prime Health	$3,797	1558%
Ppom	$3,931	1613%
Intercommunity Health Network (Ihn)	$4,020	1649%

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 $893.
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 Norton Scott 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.