CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: T J Samson Community Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $244
Cash Discount Price: $938
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.00x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at T J Samson Community Hospital is $244. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $938. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.00x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1301 North Race Street, Glasgow, KY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$938

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$244

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: $938 (385%)

Insurance Median: $244 (100%)

Cash: $938 (385% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $244 (100% 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.

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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$66 - $2,296	27%
Center Care Select - All Plans	$66 - $2,296	27%
Signature Health - All Plans	$66 - $245	27%
Wellcare Mcr Adv - All Other Plans	$66 - $243	27%
Molina Mcr Adv	$68 - $247	28%
Devoted Mcr Adv - All Plans	$70 - $255	29%
Humana	$70 - $400	29%
Caresource - All Plans	$86 - $364	35%
Molina Marketplace - All Other Plans	$86 - $364	35%
Aetna	$185 - $400	76%
Wellcare Mcaid	$185 - $238	76%
Molina Mcaid	$191 - $412	78%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,140	468%
Phcs/Multiplan - All Plans	$2,539	1042%
First Health - All Plans	$2,566	1053%

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 $938.
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 T J Samson Community 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.