CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Sanford Wheaton Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,933
Cash Discount Price: $2,810
vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.03x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Sanford Wheaton Medical Center is $2,933. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,810. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 12.03x the Medicare baseline. Located in 401 12Th Street North, Wheaton, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,810

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,933

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: $2,810 (1153%)

Insurance Median: $2,933 (1203%)

Cash: $2,810 (1153% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,933 (1203% 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 1203% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1103%). 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
Ucare	$254 - $3,086	104%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$578 - $2,417	237%
Sanford Health Plan Align	$1,770	726%
Aetna	$1,918 - $3,052	787%
Health Partners	$1,918 - $2,845	787%
Medicare (plans)	$1,918	787%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,918 - $2,933	787%
Security Health Plan	$1,932	793%
Primewest	$1,954 - $2,125	802%
Sanford Health Plan	$2,772 - $3,262	1137%
Medica	$3,087 - $3,322	1266%
First Choice Health Network	$3,161	1297%
Healthez	$3,161	1297%
Multiplan	$3,161	1297%

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 $2,810.
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 Sanford Wheaton 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.