MRI, lower back (no contrast)

For the MRI of the lower back without contrast (CPT 72148), the facility's cash price of $779 is lower than the average negotiated rates paid by most insurance plans, which range from $208 to $865. While the cash price is higher than the state average of $623, patients with high-deductible plans may find paying out-of-pocket cheaper if their insurance allows a higher negotiated rate than the cash price. It is important to note that while the facility is a Critical Access Hospital in Satanta, KS, and is owned by a government district, the data shows significant variation in what different payers are willing to pay, with some plans negotiating up to the gross charge of $865.

To avoid unexpected costs, consumers should verify their specific plan's allowed amount before scheduling, as in-network rates vary widely across the 38 payers listed. If you are self-pay, ask the billing department about "prompt-pay" discounts, which can reduce the final bill by 20% to 50% if paid upfront, bypassing the administrative costs associated with insurance claims. Additionally, if you receive a bill from an out-of-network provider at this facility, you may be protected under the No Surprises Act, which prevents balance billing for emergency or non-emergency services; in such cases, you should dispute any balance billed immediately and request a formal audit rather than accepting the full amount.