CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: North Oaks Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $298
Cash Discount Price: $519
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.22x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at North Oaks Medical Center is $298. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $519. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.22x the Medicare baseline. Located in 15790 Paul Vega Md Drive, Hammond, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$519

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$298

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: $519 (213%)

Insurance Median: $298 (122%)

Cash: $519 (213% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $298 (122% 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
Tricare	$186 - $221	76%
Aetna	$221 - $3,527	91%
Allwell	$221	91%
Blue Advantage	$221	91%
Champva	$221	91%
Healthy Blue Dual Advantage	$221	91%
Humana	$221 - $3,112	91%
Peoples Health	$221	91%
UnitedHealthcare	$221 - $1,992	91%
Vantage 65	$221	91%
Veterans Administration	$221	91%
Wellcare	$221	91%
Mco Lhc	$292	120%
Mco Hb	$298	122%
Mco Lacare Am	$298	122%
Medicaid / KanCare	$298	122%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$511 - $519	210%
Coventry	$2,697	1106%
Verity Healthnet	$2,697	1106%
Ppoplus Llc	$2,904	1191%
Multiplan	$3,112	1277%
Cigna	$3,278	1345%

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 $519.
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 North Oaks Medical Center 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.