CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,537
Cash Discount Price: $1,756
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.31x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center is $1,537. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,756. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 6.31x the Medicare baseline. Located in 200 Hawthorne Lane Box 33549, Charlotte, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,756

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,537

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: $1,756 (720%)

Insurance Median: $1,537 (631%)

Cash: $1,756 (720% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,537 (631% 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 631% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 531%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$232 - $2,314	95%
Humana	$232 - $2,824	95%
Pace Of The Southern Piedmont	$232	95%
UnitedHealthcare	$232 - $2,290	95%
Aetna	$238 - $3,138	98%
Cigna	$239 - $2,020	98%
Liberty Health	$243	100%
Nc Department Of Public Safety	$464 - $683	190%
Carolina Complete	$540 - $683	222%
Amerihealth	$551 - $697	226%
Wellcare	$551 - $697	226%
Caresource North Carolina	$1,023 - $1,294	420%
Atlantic Corporation Dba Atlantic Packaging	$1,426 - $1,804	585%
Amps	$1,706 - $2,157	700%
Plotkin Health	$1,861 - $2,353	763%
Medcost	$2,202 - $2,942	903%
Primary Physician Care	$2,295 - $2,902	941%
Multiplan	$2,326 - $2,942	954%
Phcs	$2,326 - $2,942	954%
Employers Choice Network	$3,008 - $3,804	1234%
Three Rivers Provider Network	$3,008 - $3,804	1234%

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 $1,756.
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 Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center 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.