CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Mercy Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $3,840
Cash Discount Price: $1,280
vs. Medicare Baseline: 15.75x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Mercy Regional Medical Center is $3,840. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,280. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 15.75x the Medicare baseline. Located in 800 E Main, Ville Platte, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,280

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,840

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: $1,280 (525%)

Insurance Median: $3,840 (1575%)

Cash: $1,280 (525% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,840 (1575% 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 1575% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1475%). 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
Pp0/Manged Care	$163 - $4,266	67%
Ppo/Manged Care	$163 - $4,266	67%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$449	184%
Aetna	$516	212%
Mcd Hmo Amerigroup	$516	212%
Mcd Hmo La Care	$516	212%
Mcd Hmo La Hlth Cr Connct	$516	212%
Medicaid / KanCare	$516 - $4,266	212%
UnitedHealthcare	$521	214%
Mcd Hmo Com Hlth Solution	$567	233%
Charity/Map	$1,280 - $4,266	525%
American Postal Workers	$3,413	1400%
Work Comp	$3,840	1575%
Commerical	$4,266	1750%
Commerical Ip	$4,266	1750%
Mcr American Hlth Adv	$4,266	1750%
Medicare (plans)	$4,266	1750%
Mra Auto/Liability	$4,266	1750%
Tricare	$4,266	1750%

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 $1,280.
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 Mercy Regional 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.