CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: University of Mississippi Med Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $543
Cash Discount Price: $747
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.23x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at University of Mississippi Med Center is $543. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $747. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.23x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2500 N State St, Jackson, MS.

Cash / Self-Pay

$747

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$543

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: $747 (306%)

Insurance Median: $543 (223%)

Cash: $747 (306% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $543 (223% 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 223% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 123%). 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
Ms-Can-Molina	$190	78%
Ms-Can-Magnolia	$192	79%
Ms-Can-Truecare	$193	79%
Medicare (plans)	$215	88%
Tricare	$215	88%
Va_Ccn	$215	88%
Medadv_Primewell	$222	91%
Medadv_Uhc	$222	91%
Medadv_Uhcdsnp	$222	91%
Wellcare	$222	91%
Humana	$224	92%
Molina-Chip	$405	166%
Magnolia-Chip	$414	170%
Truecare-Chip	$414	170%
Molina_Exchange	$463	190%
Advhealth	$486	199%
Mpcn	$509	209%
Firstchoice	$539	221%
Firstchoice-Hum	$539	221%
Ambetter / Centene	$543	223%
Primewell	$599	246%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$712	292%
Ppoplus	$1,170 - $1,743	480%
Firsthealth	$1,200 - $1,788	492%
Multiplan	$1,200 - $1,788	492%
Aetna	$1,275 - $1,900	523%
Healthlink_Tupelo	$1,275 - $1,900	523%
Phcs	$1,350 - $2,012	554%
United	$1,390	570%
Cigna	$1,500 - $1,822	615%
United-Options	$1,500 - $1,875	615%

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 $747.
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 University of Mississippi Med Center 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.