CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Ochsner University Hospital and Clinics

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $533
Cash Discount Price: $694
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.19x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Ochsner University Hospital and Clinics is $533. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $694. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.19x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2390 West Congress, Lafayette, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$694

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$533

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: $694 (285%)

Insurance Median: $533 (219%)

Cash: $694 (285% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $533 (219% 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 219% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 119%). 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
Aetna	$220 - $1,343	90%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$220 - $893	90%
Healthy Blue Dual Advantage (Hmo-D-Snp)	$220	90%
Medicare (plans)	$220	90%
Ochsner Health Plan	$220	90%
Tricare	$220	90%
UnitedHealthcare	$220 - $533	90%
American Health Advantage Of Louisiana (Formerly Dignity Health Plan)	$226	93%
Wellcare Of Louisiana	$231	95%
Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana (Healthy Louisiana)	$533	219%
Healthy Blue (Healthy Louisiana)	$533	219%
Humana	$533	219%
Louisiana Healthcare Connections (Healthy Louisiana)	$533	219%
Zelis	$558	229%
Cigna	$805	330%
Verity Commercial And First Choice Network	$935	384%

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 $694.
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 Ochsner University Hospital and Clinics 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.