CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Angel Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,052
Cash Discount Price: $5,913
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.42x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Angel Medical Center is $2,052. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $5,913. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 8.42x the Medicare baseline. Located in 124 Center Court Po Box 1209, Franklin, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$5,913

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,052

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: $5,913 (2426%)

Insurance Median: $2,052 (842%)

Cash: $5,913 (2426% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,052 (842% 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 842% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 742%). 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
One Call Medical	$400	164%
Amerigroup	$489	201%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,005 - $1,058	412%
United	$1,074 - $2,661	441%
Wellcare	$1,090	447%
Amerihealth	$1,100	451%
Partners Health Management	$1,110	455%
Vaya Health	$1,110	455%
Apex Health	$1,183	485%
Aetna	$1,301 - $3,808	534%
Cigna	$2,052 - $3,382	842%
Amerihealth Caritas	$2,306	946%
Caresource	$2,602	1067%
Medcost	$2,602 - $3,125	1067%
Magellan	$3,548	1455%
Magellan Behavioral Health	$3,548	1455%
Multiplan	$4,730	1940%
Avalon Administrative Services	$5,026	2062%
Prime Health	$5,204 - $5,322	2135%

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 $5,913.
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 Angel 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.