MRI, lower back (no contrast)
Facility: Mcpherson Hospital
Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 72148
- Insurance Median: $219
- Cash Discount Price: $1,602
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.90x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $56 - $3,767 | 23% |
| Tricare | $58 - $193 | 24% |
| Wellcare Mcr Adv - All Plans | $65 - $219 | 27% |
| Aetna | $65 - $3,767 | 27% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $65 - $219 | 27% |
| Humana | $65 - $219 | 27% |
| Va Ccn - All Plans | $65 - $219 | 27% |
| Healthy Blue Mcr Adv | $65 - $219 | 27% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $65 - $252 | 27% |
| Multiplan - All Plans | $81 - $3,390 | 33% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $186 - $3,767 | 76% |
| Health Blue Mcaid - All Other Plans | $190 - $3,842 | 78% |
| Central Plains - All Plans | $422 - $2,825 | 173% |
| Medical Associates - All Plans | $422 - $2,825 | 173% |
| Cigna | $535 - $3,579 | 219% |
| Health Partners - All Plans | $535 - $3,579 | 219% |
| Wppa - All Plans | $2,637 | 1082% |
| Christian Health Aid - All Plans | $3,014 | 1236% |
| First Health - All Plans | $3,579 | 1468% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the MRI of the lower back (no contrast) at Mcpherson Hospital in Mcpherson, KS, the cash median price is $1,602, which is lower than the facility's gross charge of $2,165. While the hospital's negotiated rates with major payers like UnitedHealthcare and Aetna range from $56 to $3,767, the cash price often serves as a useful benchmark for patients with high-deductible plans, as it can be lower than the amount an insurance plan might negotiate or allow. It is important to note that commercial negotiated rates frequently exceed cash prices due to administrative overhead and contract dynamics, meaning paying out-of-pocket upfront can sometimes result in immediate savings compared to the final insurance bill.
Patients should proactively request a "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discount before scheduling their appointment, as these upfront payment incentives can reduce the total cost by 20% to 50%. If you do receive a bill after insurance processing, you should request a full itemized audit to identify any errors, unbundled codes, or services not rendered, as over 80% of hospital bills contain mistakes. Additionally, while the No Surprises Act protects patients from balance billing for out-of-network services at in-network facilities, you should verify your specific plan's allowed amount and deductible status before proceeding, ensuring you understand exactly what your insurance will cover versus what you are responsible for.