CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Allina Health Faribault Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,102
Cash Discount Price: $1,313
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.52x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Allina Health Faribault Medical Center is $1,102. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,313. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 4.52x the Medicare baseline. Located in 200 State Avenue, Faribault, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,313

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,102

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: $1,313 (539%)

Insurance Median: $1,102 (452%)

Cash: $1,313 (539% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,102 (452% 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 452% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 352%). 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	$227	93%
Aetna	$234 - $1,471	96%
South Country Health Alliance	$234	96%
Medicare (plans)	$244 - $256	100%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$256 - $979	105%
Scha Msho (V)	$269	110%
Ucare Pmap (A B C D E G N O S U R H)	$446 - $498	183%
Medica Health System	$796 - $1,272	327%
Healthpartners	$816	335%
Health Partners	$890	365%
Medica	$1,209	496%
Medica Mhps	$1,209	496%
Americas Ppo (Araz)(B D N O R S V)	$1,709 - $1,909	701%
Americas Ppo (Araz) (B D N H O R S)	$1,861 - $2,079	763%
First Health (A C E G H U B D N O R S)	$1,861 - $2,079	763%
All Other Contracted Care (A B C D E G H N O R S U)	$2,215 - $2,475	909%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,330	956%

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 $1,313.
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 Allina Health Faribault 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.