CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Adirondack Medical Center - Saranac Lake

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $313
Cash Discount Price: $2,336
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.28x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Adirondack Medical Center - Saranac Lake is $313. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,336. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.28x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2233 State Route 86, Po Box 471, Saranac Lake, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,336

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$313

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: $2,336 (958%)

Insurance Median: $313 (128%)

Cash: $2,336 (958% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $313 (128% 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
Medicare (plans)	$180 - $313	74%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$193 - $3,203	79%
Tricare	$242	99%
Aetna	$313	128%
Capital District Physicians Health Plan Cdphp	$313	128%
Capital District Physicians Health Plan McR Adv	$313	128%
Wellcare Health Plan Inc McR Adv	$319	131%
Cigna	$3,014	1236%
Mvp Healthplan of Ny	$3,014	1236%

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 $2,336.
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 Adirondack Medical Center - Saranac Lake 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.