CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Ochsner Watkins Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,231
Cash Discount Price: $1,408
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.05x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Ochsner Watkins Hospital is $1,231. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,408. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 5.05x the Medicare baseline. Located in 605 South Archusa Avenue, Quitman, MS.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,408

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,231

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: $1,408 (578%)

Insurance Median: $1,231 (505%)

Cash: $1,408 (578% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,231 (505% 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 505% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 405%). 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	$182 - $191	75%
UnitedHealthcare	$368 - $1,219	151%
Prime Health Services Ppo -Workers Comp	$376	154%
Cor Vel	$384	158%
Cigna	$700 - $1,219	287%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$704 - $1,681	289%
Humana	$984 - $1,219	404%
Medicare (plans)	$1,219 - $1,401	500%
Ambetter / Centene	$1,231	505%
Magnolia Health Plan – Wellcare By All Well Of Mississippi	$1,231	505%
Shared Health Mississippi	$1,280	525%
Aetna	$1,366	560%
Select Administrative Services Network	$1,471	603%
Claritev D/B/A Multiplan/Phcs/American Life Care	$1,576	647%
Zelis	$1,576	647%
Prime Health Services Ppo	$1,681	690%
Primewell Health Services Commercial Exchange Plan	$1,723	707%
Primewell Health Services – Commercial	$1,723	707%

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 $1,408.
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 Ochsner Watkins 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.