CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Central Montana Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72148
  • Insurance Median: $804
  • Cash Discount Price: $1,137
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.30x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Central Montana Medical Center is $804. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,137. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 3.30x the Medicare baseline. Located in 408 Wendell Ave, Lewistown, MT.
Cash / Self-Pay
$1,137

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$804

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: $1,137 (466%)
Insurance Median: $804 (330%)
Cash: $1,137 (466% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $804 (330% 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 330% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 230%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield $68 - $2,095 28%
Humana $68 - $1,257 28%
Triwest - All Plans $68 - $1,234 28%
Veterans Affairs - All Plans $68 - $1,234 28%
Montana Health Co-Op - All Plans $115 - $2,258 47%
Allegiance Comm - All Other Plans $119 - $2,235 49%
Allegiance Rbphp $119 - $4,213 49%
Health Infonet - All Plans $122 - $2,235 50%
Ebms - All Plans $127 - $2,211 52%
Coventry/First Health - All Plans $2,165 888%
UnitedHealthcare $2,165 888%
Interwest Ppo $2,281 936%
Pacific Source Hp - All Plans $2,281 936%
Interwest Trad - All Other Plans $2,328 955%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 408 Wendell Ave, Lewistown, MT 59457
  • CMS Rating: No CMS Rating
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Critical Access Hospitals