CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: University of Louisville Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,047
Cash Discount Price: $1,228
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.40x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at University of Louisville Hospital is $2,047. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,228. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 8.40x the Medicare baseline. Located in 530 South Jackson Street, Louisville, KY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,228

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,047

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: $1,228 (504%)

Insurance Median: $2,047 (840%)

Cash: $1,228 (504% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,047 (840% 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.

Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)

The negotiated rate at this facility is 840% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 740%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

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	$121 - $5,118	50%
Humana	$204 - $862	84%
Senior Care Community Of Ky	$215	88%
Cigna	$227	93%
Essence Health	$227	93%
Va Ccn	$227	93%
Signature	$233 - $2,559	96%
Communicare	$238	98%
Devoted	$238 - $1,535	98%
Passport	$238 - $2,559	98%
Wellcare	$263 - $300	108%
Velocity	$268 - $5,016	110%
Key Benefit Administrators	$295	121%
Aetna	$862	354%
UnitedHealthcare	$862 - $2,441	354%
Prime Group Health	$1,414 - $4,350	580%
Cshn	$3,327 - $5,118	1365%
Multiplan	$3,378 - $4,606	1386%
Encore	$3,583	1470%
Health Smart	$3,838	1574%
Omca	$4,862	1995%
Corvel	$5,118	2100%
National Comp Care	$5,118	2100%

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 $1,228.
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 University of Louisville 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.