MRI, lower back (no contrast)
Facility: Howard County Medical Center
Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 72148
- Insurance Median: $636
- Cash Discount Price: $3,924
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.61x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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 261% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 161%). 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.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Medica Standard Premier | $65 - $179 | 27% |
| Aetna | $68 - $3,728 | 28% |
| Medica Elevate | $128 - $351 | 53% |
| Midland'S Choice | $134 - $369 | 55% |
| Humana | $149 | 61% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $175 - $3,728 | 72% |
| Great Plains | $175 - $2,237 | 72% |
| Medica Chi | $175 - $2,237 | 72% |
| Tricare | $175 - $2,943 | 72% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $175 - $3,767 | 72% |
| Nebraska Total Care - Wellcare | $180 | 74% |
| Molina Healthcare | $184 - $1,962 | 75% |
| Oscar Health | $306 | 126% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $350 | 144% |
| Beshp | $350 | 144% |
| Nebraska Total Care | $1,962 | 805% |
| Medica Chi Aco | $3,571 | 1465% |
| Medica Choice National | $3,571 | 1465% |
| Medica Ifb Aco | $3,767 | 1545% |
| Medica Ifb Open Access | $3,767 | 1545% |