CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Gillette Childrens Specialty Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $3,459
Cash Discount Price: $4,365
vs. Medicare Baseline: 14.19x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Gillette Childrens Specialty Hospital is $3,459. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $4,365. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 14.19x the Medicare baseline. Located in 200 University Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$4,365

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,459

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: $4,365 (1791%)

Insurance Median: $3,459 (1419%)

Cash: $4,365 (1791% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,459 (1419% 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 1419% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1319%). 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	$51 - $4,491	21%
Health Partners	$104 - $8,140	43%
UnitedHealthcare	$117 - $6,714	48%
Medica	$127 - $8,308	52%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$132 - $7,918	54%
Aetna	$251 - $8,420	103%
Humana	$2,153 - $6,736	883%
America'S Ppo	$2,871 - $8,982	1178%
Geha	$3,051 - $9,543	1252%
Multiplan	$3,051 - $9,543	1252%

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 $4,365.
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 Gillette Childrens Specialty 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.