CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Frye Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72148
  • Insurance Median: $599
  • Cash Discount Price: $2,789
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.46x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Frye Regional Medical Center is $599. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,789. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.46x the Medicare baseline. Located in 420 N Center St, Hickory, NC.
Cash / Self-Pay
$2,789

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$599

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: $2,789 (1144%)
Insurance Median: $599 (246%)
Cash: $2,789 (1144% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $599 (246% 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 246% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 146%). 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
Humana $227 - $507 93%
Veteran Family Member Program $227 93%
UnitedHealthcare $229 - $703 94%
Aetna $232 - $512 95%
Paradigm $418 171%
Cigna $564 - $572 231%
Cv Industries $599 246%
Hancock &Amp; Moore $599 246%
Sherrill Furniture $599 246%
Craftmaster Furniture $617 253%
Rhf Investments $617 253%
Vanguard Furniture $617 253%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $690 - $1,087 283%
Vaya Health $690 283%
Amerihealth Caritas North Carolina $703 288%
Carolina Complete Health Inc. $703 288%
Partners Health Management $703 288%
Trillium Health Resources $703 288%
Wellcare Of North Carolina, Inc $710 291%
Ambetter / Centene $750 308%
Caresource North Carolina $1,142 468%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 420 N Center St, Hickory, NC 28601
  • CMS Rating: ★★☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Proprietary
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals