CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Ste Genevieve County Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $829
Cash Discount Price: $869
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.40x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Ste Genevieve County Memorial Hospital is $829. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $869. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 3.40x the Medicare baseline. Located in Hwys 61 & 32, Sainte Genevieve, MO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$869

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$829

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: $869 (356%)

Insurance Median: $829 (340%)

Cash: $869 (356% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $829 (340% 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 340% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 240%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$40 - $3,382	16%
Medicare (plans)	$40 - $828	16%
Va	$40 - $828	16%
Aetna	$41 - $2,552	17%
Allwell	$41 - $845	17%
Pphp	$46 - $953	19%
Ambetter / Centene	$50 - $1,036	21%
Meritain	$123 - $2,552	50%
Multiplan/Phcs	$136 - $2,817	56%
Medicaid / KanCare	$255	105%
Homestate	$265	109%
Healthy_Blue	$306	126%
Uhc_Community	$306	126%
UnitedHealthcare	$452 - $1,657	185%
Healthlink_Hmo	$600 - $1,658	246%
Healthlink_Compmanagement	$640 - $1,769	263%
Healthlink_Ppo	$640 - $1,769	263%
Cigna	$2,717	1115%

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 $869.
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 Ste Genevieve County Memorial 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.