CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Vidant Chowan Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $3,580
Cash Discount Price: $3,167
vs. Medicare Baseline: 14.69x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Vidant Chowan Hospital is $3,580. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,167. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 14.69x the Medicare baseline. Located in 211 Virginia Rd, Edenton, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,167

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,580

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: $3,167 (1299%)

Insurance Median: $3,580 (1469%)

Cash: $3,167 (1299% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,580 (1469% 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 1469% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1369%). 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	$1,698 - $3,433	697%
Carolina Complete Health [1317]	$1,715	704%
Wellcare [1320]	$1,723	707%
Amerihealth McAid Adv [1316]	$1,732	711%
Humana	$1,753	719%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,906 - $3,484	782%
Liberty Advantage [1313]	$1,963	805%
Aetna	$2,019 - $4,627	828%
Longevity Health [1411]	$2,426	995%
Nc Dept of Public Safety [1095]	$3,167	1299%
Medcost [1067]	$3,580 - $3,773	1469%
Cigna	$4,808 - $5,373	1972%
Multiplan [1031]	$5,373	2204%

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 $3,167.
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 Vidant Chowan 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.