CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Fisher-Titus Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,042
Cash Discount Price: $2,637
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.38x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Fisher-Titus Hospital is $2,042. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,637. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 8.38x the Medicare baseline. Located in 272 Benedict Avenue, Norwalk, OH.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,637

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,042

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: $2,637 (1082%)

Insurance Median: $2,042 (838%)

Cash: $2,637 (1082% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,042 (838% 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 838% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 738%). 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
Perennial Advantage	$66 - $238	27%
UnitedHealthcare	$66 - $2,666	27%
Sidecar	$68 - $2,033	28%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$157 - $2,666	64%
Caresource	$157 - $227	64%
Amerihealth	$162	66%
Buckeye	$162 - $227	66%
Molina	$162	66%
Aetna	$227 - $2,549	93%
Medical Mutual Of Ohio	$227 - $1,702	93%
Paramount	$227 - $2,637	93%
Summacare	$227 - $2,578	93%
Wellcare	$227	93%
Zing Health	$227	93%
Valor Health	$234	96%
Health Ohio Network	$2,051	841%
Tricare	$2,198 - $2,344	902%
Cigna	$2,344	962%
Claimsdoc	$2,344	962%
First Health	$2,637	1082%
Multiplan	$2,637	1082%
Ohio Health Choice	$2,637	1082%
Healthscope	$2,666	1094%
Emerald Health	$2,842	1166%

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 $2,637.
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 Fisher-Titus 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.