CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Phelps Memorial Health Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,983
Cash Discount Price: $4,080
vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.24x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Phelps Memorial Health Center is $2,983. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $4,080. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 12.24x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1215 Tibbals St, Holdrege, NE.

Cash / Self-Pay

$4,080

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,983

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: $4,080 (1674%)

Insurance Median: $2,983 (1224%)

Cash: $4,080 (1674% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,983 (1224% 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 1224% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1124%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$1,859 - $4,397	763%
Aetna	$1,949 - $4,179	800%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,949 - $1,954	800%
Good Samaritan Mcr Adv - All Plans	$1,949	800%
Medica Mcr Adv	$1,949	800%
Va Ccn - All Plans	$1,949	800%
Wellcare Mcr Adv - All Plans	$1,949	800%
Molina Mcaid - All Plans	$1,995	818%
Three Rivers - All Plans	$2,339	960%
6 Degrees Hlth - All Plans	$3,626	1487%
Partners Hlth Alliance - All Plans	$3,626	1487%
Cpi Benefit Group-All Plans	$4,080	1674%
Providrs Care/Wppa - All Plans	$4,080	1674%
Provider Network Of American - All Plans	$4,216	1729%
Medica-All Other Plans	$4,261	1748%
Chi Health Partners - All Plans	$4,306	1766%
Midwest Ntwrk Alliance - All Plans	$4,306	1766%
First Health - All Plans	$4,311	1768%
Ambetter / Centene	$5,068	2079%

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 $4,080.
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 Phelps Memorial Health 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.