MRI, lower back (no contrast)
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Hospitals Wichita, Inc.
Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 72148
- Insurance Median: $226
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.93x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Via Christi Research | $224 | 92% |
| Humana | $224 | 92% |
| Va | $224 | 92% |
| Medicare (plans) | $224 - $228 | 92% |
| Saint Lukes Health Systems | $224 | 92% |
| Vc Hope | $224 | 92% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $228 | 94% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $228 - $626 | 94% |
| Corizon | $279 | 114% |
| Smarthealth | $313 | 128% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $380 | 156% |
| Cigna | $467 | 192% |
| Aetna | $553 | 227% |
| Coventry City Of Wichita | $940 | 386% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the MRI, lower back (no contrast) procedure at Ascension Via Christi Hospitals Wichita, Inc., the facility's negotiated rates range from $224 to $626 depending on the insurance plan, with a median negotiated amount of $226.00. This facility is located in Wichita, Kansas, and its pricing aligns closely with the state average, as indicated by a ratio of 0.9 versus Medicare. While Medicare sets a baseline reimbursement of $243.77 for this service, commercial insurance contracts often result in higher costs due to administrative overhead and contract dynamics. Patients should be aware that being in-network does not guarantee the lowest possible price, as different insurers negotiate different ceilings, and some out-of-network facilities may offer lower rates.
To potentially lower out-of-pocket costs, patients should inquire about self-pay or prompt-pay discounts before scheduling, as paying upfront can sometimes be cheaper than the insurance negotiated rate, particularly for those with high-deductible plans. It is important to request a full itemized bill to verify that no services were unbundled or incorrectly charged, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors that can be corrected through a formal audit. Additionally, while the No Surprises Act protects patients from balance billing for out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, patients should still review their specific plan details to ensure they understand their deductible status and any potential out-of-pocket maximums before proceeding with care.