CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Medstar Harbor Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $424
Cash Discount Price: $416
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.74x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Medstar Harbor Hospital is $424. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $416. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.74x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3001 South Hanover Street, Baltimore, MD.

Cash / Self-Pay

$416

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$424

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: $416 (171%)

Insurance Median: $424 (174%)

Cash: $416 (171% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $424 (174% 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
Aetna	$317 - $532	130%
Amerigroup	$317 - $532	130%
Amerihealth Caritas District Of Columbia	$317 - $532	130%
Carefirst Advantage Inc	$317 - $532	130%
Carefirst Blue Choice Inc	$317 - $532	130%
Cigna	$317 - $532	130%
First Health	$317 - $532	130%
Hscsn	$317 - $532	130%
Humana	$317 - $532	130%
Kaiser Permanente	$317 - $532	130%
Magellan Behavioral Health Inc	$317 - $532	130%
Mamsi	$317 - $532	130%
Medstar Family Choice	$317 - $532	130%
Medstar Family Choice Inc	$317 - $532	130%
Ncppo Healthlink Ppo	$317 - $532	130%
Pfc	$317 - $532	130%
Private Healthcare Systems (Phcs)	$317 - $532	130%
Tricare	$317 - $532	130%
United Behavioral Health Inc	$317 - $532	130%
UnitedHealthcare	$317 - $532	130%

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 $416.
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 Medstar Harbor 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.