CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Intermountain Health St Vincent Regional Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $866
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.55x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Intermountain Health St Vincent Regional Hospital is $866. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 3.55x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1233 N 30Th St, Billings, MT.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$866

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%)

Insurance Median: $866 (355%)

Ins. Median: $866 (355% 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 355% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 255%). 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
Medicare (plans)	$242	99%
UnitedHealthcare	$247 - $1,065	101%
Exchange Other	$338 - $761	139%
Mt Health Co-Op	$338 - $761	139%
First Choice Health	$386 - $1,035	158%
Other	$386 - $1,035	158%
Ebms-Employee Benefit Mng	$406 - $995	167%
Allegiance	$428 - $1,042	176%
Cigna	$428 - $1,042	176%
Meritain Health	$442 - $866	181%
Sibanye Stillwater Health Partners	$459	188%
Pacificsource	$482 - $1,050	198%
Coastal Administrative Services	$483	198%
Pacific Steel And Recycling	$604	248%
Aetna	$738	303%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$870 - $1,405	357%
Preferred One	$995 - $1,077	408%
Interwest	$1,042	427%
Private Hlthcare Sys	$1,054	432%
Geha	$1,065	437%

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 $X.
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 Intermountain Health St Vincent Regional 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.