CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: S E Lackey Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $470
Cash Discount Price: $1,070
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.93x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at S E Lackey Memorial Hospital is $470. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,070. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.93x the Medicare baseline. Located in 330 N Broad Street, Forest, MS.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,070

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$470

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: $1,070 (439%)

Insurance Median: $470 (193%)

Cash: $1,070 (439% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $470 (193% 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	$46 - $1,273	19%
Cigna	$50 - $700	21%
Magnolia Mcr Adv	$56 - $680	23%
Va Ccn - All Plans	$65 - $680	27%
Wellcare Mcr Adv - All Plans	$65 - $680	27%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$100 - $1,214	41%
Magnolia Mcaid	$151 - $187	62%
Corvel - All Plans	$470 - $1,456	193%
Magnolia Comm/Exch - All Other Plans	$680	279%
First/Health Choice - All Plans	$1,294	531%
Health Partners - All Plans	$1,343	551%
Multiplan - All Plans	$1,456	597%

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 $1,070.
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 S E Lackey 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.