CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: University of Michigan Health - West

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,177
Cash Discount Price: $1,300
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.93x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at University of Michigan Health - West is $2,177. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,300. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 8.93x the Medicare baseline. Located in 5900 Byron Center Avenue, Sw, Wyoming, MI.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,300

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,177

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: $1,300 (533%)

Insurance Median: $2,177 (893%)

Cash: $1,300 (533% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,177 (893% 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 893% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 793%). 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
Medicaid / KanCare	$131 - $765	54%
Molina Healthcare Of Mi	$131	54%
Care Resources	$219	90%
Humana	$244 - $2,437	100%
Insight Metro Care	$244	100%
Medicare (plans)	$244	100%
Molina Marketplace Commercial	$244	100%
Priority Health	$370	152%
Aetna	$797 - $2,177	327%
Web Tpa	$1,428	586%
Alliance Health & Life Ppo	$2,177	893%
Asr Physicians	$2,177	893%
Hap	$2,177	893%
Golden Rule Ins	$2,343	961%
Medica	$2,343	961%
Student Ins/Mega Life	$2,343	961%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,343	961%
Asr Cofinity	$2,713	1113%
Cofinity Commercial	$2,713	1113%
Cofinity Weyco	$2,713	1113%
Core Source	$2,713	1113%
Epoch Group	$2,713	1113%
Health Partners	$2,713	1113%
Hlthcomp Admin	$2,713	1113%
Mid America	$2,713	1113%

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 $1,300.
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 University of Michigan Health - West 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.