CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Artesia General Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,749
Cash Discount Price: $2,623
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.17x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Artesia General Hospital is $1,749. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,623. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 7.17x the Medicare baseline. Located in 702 N 13Th Street, Artesia, NM.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,623

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,749

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: $2,623 (1076%)

Insurance Median: $1,749 (717%)

Cash: $2,623 (1076% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,749 (717% 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 717% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 617%). 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
Zelis	$199 - $1,749	82%
Triwest	$230	94%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$234 - $2,623	96%
Geha	$234 - $3,498	96%
Humana	$234 - $258	96%
Molina Healthcare Of New Mexico	$234 - $424	96%
Presbyterian Health Plan	$234 - $489	96%
UnitedHealthcare	$234 - $3,716	96%
Vistacare Hospice	$234	96%
New Mexico Health Connections	$398	163%
Providence Risk & Insurance Services	$468 - $4,154	192%
First Health	$574 - $3,935	235%
Omni Networks	$3,061	1256%
Three Rivers Provider Network	$3,279	1345%
Cigna	$3,716 - $3,935	1524%
Galaxy Health	$3,935	1614%
One Health Plan	$3,935	1614%
Multiplan	$3,979	1632%
United Payors & United Providers	$4,066	1668%

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 $2,623.
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 Artesia General 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.