CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Wakemed, Cary Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,546
Cash Discount Price: $1,514
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.34x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Wakemed, Cary Hospital is $1,546. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,514. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 6.34x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1900 Kildare Farm Road, Cary, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,514

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,546

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: $1,514 (621%)

Insurance Median: $1,546 (634%)

Cash: $1,514 (621% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,546 (634% 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 634% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 534%). 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	$207 - $1,984	85%
Aetna	$234 - $2,971	96%
Cary - Alignment	$245	101%
Ambetter / Centene	$278 - $1,511	114%
Cary - Liberty	$280	115%
Cary - Pruitt	$280	115%
Cary - Wellcare	$280	115%
Amerihealth	$591	242%
Carolina Complete	$591	242%
Healthy Blue	$591	242%
Wellcare	$591	242%
Cigna	$1,171 - $2,031	480%
First Health	$1,832 - $3,505	752%
Medcost	$2,868 - $2,987	1177%
Phcs	$3,186	1307%
Multiplan	$3,585	1471%

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 $1,514.
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 Wakemed, Cary 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.