MRI, lower back (no contrast)
Facility: Providence Medical Center
Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 72148
- Insurance Median: $238
- Cash Discount Price: $224
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.98x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid / KanCare | $131 | 54% |
| Comp Alliance - Fka Compresults Worker Compensation | $221 | 91% |
| Midland Care Connection | $225 | 92% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $225 - $472 | 92% |
| Tricare | $225 | 92% |
| Aetna | $225 - $630 | 92% |
| Cigna | $225 | 92% |
| Medicare (plans) | $225 | 92% |
| Kansas Superior Select | $236 | 97% |
| Healthy Blue | $236 - $238 | 97% |
| Celtic | $236 - $360 | 97% |
| Oha Networks | $238 | 98% |
| Worker Compensation | $246 | 101% |
| Corizon | $292 | 120% |
| Employer Direct Healthcare | $315 | 129% |
| Well Path Prison | $315 | 129% |
| Centurion | $337 | 138% |
| Naphcare | $348 | 143% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $360 - $581 | 148% |
| First Health | $1,200 | 492% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the MRI of the lower back (no contrast) at Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, KS, the facility's cash price of $224.00 is significantly lower than the median negotiated rate of $238.00 and the state average of $899.00. While many commercial payers like UnitedHealthcare and Aetna have negotiated rates ranging from $225 to $630, the cash rate remains the most affordable option for patients without insurance. Because commercial contracts often include administrative overhead that inflates the baseline price by 20% to 40%, paying cash directly can sometimes result in substantial savings compared to what an insurance plan would allow. Patients should verify with the hospital whether "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts are available, as these upfront incentives can further reduce the final cost.
It is important to distinguish between the facility's gross charge of $5,342.00 and the actual reimbursement rates, as the latter serves as a more accurate benchmark for pricing. The Medicare rate of $243.77 provides a scientifically validated baseline for the true cost of care, and while commercial negotiated rates typically average 200% to 300% of this amount, the facility's cash price aligns closely with the Medicare benchmark. If a patient receives care from an out-of-network provider at this facility, they may face balance billing for the difference between the provider's full charge and the insurance allowed amount, though the No Surprises Act protects against such surprise bills for emergency services. To avoid unexpected costs, patients should request a full itemized bill to review specific CPT codes and ensure no unbundled charges