CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: The Children's Mercy Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $155
Cash Discount Price: $771
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.64x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at The Children's Mercy Hospital is $155. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $771. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.64x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO.

Cash / Self-Pay

$771

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$155

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: $771 (316%)

Insurance Median: $155 (64%)

Cash: $771 (316% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $155 (64% 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.

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
UnitedHealthcare	$61 - $2,018	25%
Healthy Blue	$65 - $608	27%
Medicaid / KanCare	$65 - $153	27%
Cigna	$67 - $2,087	27%
Home State Health	$84 - $535	34%
Healthlink	$90 - $2,643	37%
Wppa Providrs Care	$90 - $1,952	37%
Health Midwest Comprehensive Care	$96 - $1,955	39%
American Healthcare Alliance	$100 - $2,553	41%
Quiktrip	$104 - $1,955	43%
Medica	$122 - $1,751	50%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$130 - $2,222	53%
Multiplan	$131 - $2,282	54%
Wellfit/Centrus	$132 - $1,952	54%
Aetna	$133 - $2,042	55%
Centivo	$136 - $1,952	56%
Humana	$136 - $1,997	56%
Orscheln	$138 - $1,952	57%
Nebraska Furniture Mart	$139 - $1,952	57%
Mercy Health	$153 - $2,252	63%
Coxhealth Network	$155 - $2,222	64%
Coventry Health Care Of Kansas	$168 - $2,222	69%
National Preferred Provider Network	$184 - $2,703	75%

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 $771.
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 The Children's Mercy 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.