CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Memorial Mission Hospital and Asheville Surgery Ce

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,602
Cash Discount Price: $5,620
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.67x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Memorial Mission Hospital and Asheville Surgery Ce is $2,602. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $5,620. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 10.67x the Medicare baseline. Located in 509 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$5,620

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,602

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: $5,620 (2305%)

Insurance Median: $2,602 (1067%)

Cash: $5,620 (2305% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,602 (1067% 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 1067% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 967%). 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
United	$518 - $3,495	212%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$979 - $1,086	402%
Wellcare	$1,008 - $1,119	414%
Amerihealth	$1,017 - $1,129	417%
Partners Health Management	$1,028 - $1,141	422%
Vaya Health	$1,028 - $1,141	422%
Apex Health	$1,065 - $1,183	437%
Cigna	$1,976 - $2,945	811%
Caresource	$2,344 - $2,602	962%
Medcost	$3,001 - $5,026	1231%
Magellan	$3,196 - $3,548	1311%
Magellan Behavioral Health	$3,196 - $3,548	1311%
Aetna	$3,852 - $4,275	1580%
Multiplan	$4,262 - $4,730	1748%
Avalon Administrative Services	$4,528 - $5,026	1857%
Prime Health	$4,688 - $5,322	1923%

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 $5,620.
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 Memorial Mission Hospital and Asheville Surgery Ce 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.