CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Cheshire Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $390
Cash Discount Price: $778
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.60x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Cheshire Medical Center is $390. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $778. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.60x the Medicare baseline. Located in 580 Court Street, Keene, NH.

Cash / Self-Pay

$778

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$390

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: $778 (319%)

Insurance Median: $390 (160%)

Cash: $778 (319% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $390 (160% 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.

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
Aetna	$70 - $3,360	29%
Ambetter / Centene	$73 - $225	30%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$73 - $3,903	30%
Cigna	$73 - $2,432	30%
Martin'S Point Generations Advantage	$73 - $253	30%
Martin'S Point Health Care	$73 - $253	30%
Mvp	$73 - $2,432	30%
UnitedHealthcare	$73 - $3,729	30%
Wellcare Health Plans	$73 - $253	30%
Wellsense Health Plan	$73 - $677	30%
Amerihealth Caritas Nh	$89 - $601	37%
Granite State Health Plan	$122 - $820	50%
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Of Ne	$155 - $2,234	64%
Mass General Brigham Health Plan	$190 - $4,913	78%
Tufts Health Plan	$207 - $3,136	85%
Maine Community Health Options	$328 - $2,211	135%
First Health/Hcvm	$619 - $4,176	254%
Phcs	$655 - $4,422	269%

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 $778.
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 Cheshire 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.