CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Christus St Frances Cabrini Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $322
Cash Discount Price: $643
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.32x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Christus St Frances Cabrini Hospital is $322. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $643. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.32x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3330 Masonic Drive, Alexandria, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$643

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$322

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: $643 (264%)

Insurance Median: $322 (132%)

Cash: $643 (264% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $322 (132% 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
Humana	$225 - $1,341	92%
Triwest	$225	92%
Active Med	$230	94%
Aetna	$230 - $1,014	94%
Arcadian Health Plan	$230	94%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$230 - $677	94%
Christus Health	$230 - $322	94%
Coventry	$230	94%
UnitedHealthcare	$230 - $518	94%
Vantage Health Plan Inc.	$230 - $1,237	94%
Dignity Health	$237	97%
Peoples Health	$237	97%
Wellcare	$241	99%
Allyalign Health	$253	104%
Medicare (plans)	$253	104%
Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana	$297	122%
Healthy Blue Louisiana	$297	122%
Louisiana Healthcare Connections	$297	122%
Lsu First Choice Verity	$1,237	507%
Gilsbar, Inc.	$1,484	609%
Healthcare Highways	$1,484	609%
Verity Healthnet	$1,484	609%
Cigna	$1,547	635%
Healthsmart	$1,608 - $1,979	660%
Ppoplus Llc	$1,608	660%
Multiplan	$1,732	711%
Phcs	$1,732	711%
Health Management Network	$1,979	812%
Provider Select	$1,979	812%
First Health	$2,103	863%
Verity Healthnet National	$2,103	863%
Five Point Credit Union	$2,251	923%

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 $643.
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 Christus St Frances Cabrini 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.