CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Fairview Bethesda Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $522
Cash Discount Price: $760
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.14x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Fairview Bethesda Hospital is $522. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $760. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.14x the Medicare baseline. Located in 45 10Th St W, Saint Paul, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$760

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$522

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: $760 (312%)

Insurance Median: $522 (214%)

Cash: $760 (312% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $522 (214% 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 214% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 114%). 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
Health Partners	$48 - $1,476	20%
Itasca Medical Care	$48 - $241	20%
Primewest	$48 - $241	20%
South Country Health Alliance	$48 - $241	20%
Ucare	$49 - $793	20%
Medica	$51 - $1,370	21%
Hennepin Health	$54 - $246	22%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$55 - $1,117	23%
Sanford Health Plan	$65 - $1,116	27%
Security Health Plan	$65 - $1,421	27%
UnitedHealthcare	$65 - $1,082	27%
Wellcare	$65 - $241	27%
America'S Ppo	$987 - $1,364	405%
First Health	$1,554	637%
Multiplan	$1,611	661%
Private Healthcare Systems	$1,611	661%
Wisconsin Physician Services	$1,705 - $1,706	699%

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 $760.
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 Fairview Bethesda 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.