CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: NYU Langone Hospitals

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $706
Cash Discount Price: $1,258
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.90x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at NYU Langone Hospitals is $706. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,258. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.90x the Medicare baseline. Located in 550 First Avenue, New York, NY.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,258

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$706

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: $1,258 (516%)

Insurance Median: $706 (290%)

Cash: $1,258 (516% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $706 (290% 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 290% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 190%). 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
Fidelis	$131 - $1,011	54%
Healthplus	$131 - $1,011	54%
Healthfirst	$135 - $1,011	55%
Ghi	$272 - $1,565	112%
Hip	$286 - $4,582	117%
Medicare (plans)	$286	117%
Wellcare	$286	117%
Centerlight	$292	120%
Medicaid / KanCare	$405 - $449	166%
Metroplus	$405 - $1,011	166%
UnitedHealthcare	$405 - $2,511	166%
Somos	$426 - $607	175%
Hamaspik	$429	176%
Cigna	$452	185%
Amida	$492 - $494	202%
1199	$634	260%
Aetna	$706 - $7,273	290%
Magnacare	$1,486 - $3,636	610%
Oxford	$1,536 - $2,426	630%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$2,185 - $2,731	896%
Oscar	$2,904	1191%
Multiplan	$4,654 - $5,673	1909%

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 $1,258.
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 NYU Langone Hospitals 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.