CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Carolinas Rehabilitation

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,596
Cash Discount Price: $2,013
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.55x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Carolinas Rehabilitation is $1,596. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,013. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 6.55x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1100 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,013

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,596

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: $2,013 (826%)

Insurance Median: $1,596 (655%)

Cash: $2,013 (826% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,596 (655% 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 655% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 555%). 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
Amerihealth Caritas	$62 - $1,567	25%
Carolina Complete Health	$62 - $1,596	25%
Healthy Blue	$62 - $1,596	25%
UnitedHealthcare	$62 - $2,641	25%
Wellcare	$62 - $1,596	25%
Cigna	$66 - $2,718	27%
Humana	$67 - $247	27%
Aetna	$68 - $3,422	28%
Ambetter / Centene	$230 - $1,498	94%
Medcost	$354 - $2,698	145%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,295 - $1,936	531%
Employers Health Network	$1,780	730%
Physician Reach Out	$2,013	826%
Quik Trip	$2,617	1074%
Choicecare	$3,140	1288%
Healthgram	$3,221	1321%
Private Health Care Systems	$3,301	1354%
First Health	$3,422	1404%
Beechstreet	$3,704	1519%
Multiplan	$3,704	1519%

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 $2,013.
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 Carolinas Rehabilitation 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.