CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Bellevue Hospital Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $482
Cash Discount Price: $283
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.98x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Bellevue Hospital Center is $482. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $283. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.98x the Medicare baseline. Located in 462 First Avenue, New York, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$283

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$482

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: $283 (116%)

Insurance Median: $482 (198%)

Cash: $283 (116% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $482 (198% 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
Healthfirst	$60 - $1,241	25%
Amidacare	$75 - $551	31%
Emblem	$75 - $1,115	31%
Wellcare	$81 - $306	33%
Metroplus	$97 - $1,241	40%
Fidelis	$108 - $1,241	44%
Aetna	$111 - $1,131	46%
Oscar	$113 - $1,702	46%
Affinity	$190 - $1,241	78%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$216 - $1,275	89%
Centerlight	$216 - $797	89%
Elderplan	$216 - $1,036	89%
Centers Plan For Healthy Living	$225 - $297	92%
Hamaspik	$227	93%
Vaccn	$286	117%
Vnsny	$286 - $1,354	117%
Oxford	$300 - $956	123%
United	$300 - $1,275	123%
Villagecare Max	$425 - $1,354	174%
Carelon	$551 - $1,036	226%
Senior Whole Health	$551	226%
United Behavioral Health	$551 - $607	226%
Carelon (Amida Care)	$562	231%
Local 1199	$727 - $1,354	298%
Magnacare	$1,195	490%
Multiplan	$1,275	523%
Cigna	$1,285	527%

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 $283.
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 Bellevue Hospital 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.