CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Valley Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $472
Cash Discount Price: $878
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.94x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Valley Hospital is $472. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $878. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.94x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4 Valley Health Plaza, Paramus, NJ.

Cash / Self-Pay

$878

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$472

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: $878 (360%)

Insurance Median: $472 (194%)

Cash: $878 (360% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $472 (194% 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
Horizon	$212 - $472	87%
Medicare (plans)	$283	116%
UnitedHealthcare	$283 - $732	116%
Humana	$283	116%
Clover	$283	116%
Aetna	$283 - $547	116%
Wellpoint	$292	120%
Centivo	$524	215%
Cigna	$824 - $2,070	338%
Amerihealth	$1,024	420%
Qualcare	$1,097	450%

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 $878.
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 Valley Hospital 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.