CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Berkshire Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72148
  • Insurance Median: $1,970
  • Cash Discount Price: $3,384
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.08x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Berkshire Medical Center is $1,970. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,384. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 8.08x the Medicare baseline. Located in 725 North Street, Pittsfield, MA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$3,384

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$1,970

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: $3,384 (1388%)
Insurance Median: $1,970 (808%)
Cash: $3,384 (1388% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $1,970 (808% 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 808% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 708%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Medicare (plans) $196 - $301 80%
Other Government $197 - $306 81%
Hospice $199 - $306 82%
UnitedHealthcare $199 - $3,063 82%
Health New England $202 - $2,484 83%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $206 - $3,028 85%
Commcare Alliance $206 - $362 85%
Fallon $210 - $1,567 86%
Cdphp $222 - $3,206 91%
Mbhp $222 91%
Mcd Out Of State $222 - $258 91%
Medicaid / KanCare $222 - $258 91%
Aetna $235 - $2,689 96%
Comm Tufts Qhpsub (Network) $284 - $2,013 117%
Point32Health $284 - $3,384 117%
Bmchnp $288 - $297 118%
Comm Hne Hmo $377 - $2,347 155%
Comm Hne Ppo $401 - $2,494 164%
Unicare $485 - $2,310 199%
Workers Comp $580 - $2,161 238%
Allways Nhp $1,575 - $2,305 646%
Beacon $2,069 - $3,206 849%
Cigna $2,191 - $3,313 899%
Mvp $2,191 - $3,206 899%
Oxford $2,191 - $3,206 899%
First Health $2,264 - $3,384 929%
Connecticare $2,312 - $3,384 948%
Consolidated Health Plans $2,312 - $3,384 948%
Other Commercial $2,312 - $3,384 948%
Phcs $2,312 - $3,384 948%
Self Pay $2,312 - $3,384 948%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 725 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Other
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals