CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Sanford Canby Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $3,238
Cash Discount Price: $3,238
vs. Medicare Baseline: 13.28x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Sanford Canby Medical Center is $3,238. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,238. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 13.28x the Medicare baseline. Located in 112 St Olaf Avenue South, Canby, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,238

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,238

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: $3,238 (1328%)

Insurance Median: $3,238 (1328%)

Cash: $3,238 (1328% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,238 (1328% 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 1328% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1228%). 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 - $3,556	104%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$578 - $1,999	237%
Sanford Health Plan Align	$1,845	757%
Aetna	$1,999 - $3,517	820%
Health Partners	$1,999 - $3,238	820%
Medicare (plans)	$1,999	820%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,999 - $3,379	820%
Primewest	$2,040 - $2,226	837%
Security Health Plan	$2,226	913%
Sanford Health Plan	$3,195 - $3,758	1311%
Medica	$3,557 - $3,828	1459%
Cigna	$3,642	1494%
First Choice Health Network	$3,642	1494%
Healthez	$3,642	1494%
Multiplan	$3,642	1494%

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 $3,238.
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 Canby 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.