CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: St Lukes Hospital of Kansas City

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,214
Cash Discount Price: $2,041
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.98x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at St Lukes Hospital of Kansas City is $1,214. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,041. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 4.98x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4401 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,041

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,214

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: $2,041 (837%)

Insurance Median: $1,214 (498%)

Cash: $2,041 (837% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,214 (498% 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 498% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 398%). 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	$131 - $299	54%
Humana	$132 - $216	54%
Aetna	$191 - $3,231	78%
UnitedHealthcare	$242 - $2,190	99%
Cigna	$263 - $2,381	108%
Transplants-Case Rates [5750]	$265 - $3,401	109%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$463 - $2,564	190%
Commercial-Contracted [8000]	$1,122 - $2,721	460%
First Health [5512]	$2,016	827%

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 $2,041.
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 St Lukes Hospital of Kansas City 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.