CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Charlevoix Area Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $270
Cash Discount Price: $2,041
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.11x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Charlevoix Area Hospital is $270. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,041. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.11x the Medicare baseline. Located in 14700 Lakeshore Drive, Charlevoix, MI.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,041

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$270

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: $2,041 (837%)

Insurance Median: $270 (111%)

Cash: $2,041 (837% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $270 (111% 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$45 - $2,218	18%
Mclaren Health Plan	$45 - $2,235	18%
Meridian	$45 - $168	18%
Priority Health	$45 - $2,401	18%
UnitedHealthcare	$45 - $2,086	18%
Aetna	$67 - $2,168	27%
Blue Care Network	$67 - $1,128	27%
Hap (Health Alliance Plan)	$67 - $1,921	27%
Medicare (plans)	$67 - $1,128	27%
Michigan Amish Medical Board	$67 - $1,128	27%
Molina	$67 - $1,219	27%
Northern Michigan Mennonite Group	$67 - $1,128	27%
Asr Physicians Care Network	$101 - $1,921	41%
Cigna	$105 - $2,401	43%
Nomi Health	$108 - $2,233	44%
Employee Benefits Logistics	$114 - $1,918	47%
Provider Network Of America/Hma Group Health	$334 - $2,041	137%
Hospice Of Michigan	$1,441	591%
Enterprise Group Planning Employee Benefit Plan	$1,921	788%
First Health/Coventry Health/Community Care Network	$1,921	788%
Medical Cost Savings Solution	$1,921	788%
Three Rivers Provider Network	$2,041	837%
Iba Health And Life Assurance Company	$2,209	906%
Cofinity	$2,233	916%
Preferred Medical Claim Solutions	$2,281	936%

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 $2,041.
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 Charlevoix Area 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.