CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Ohio State University State Health System

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $906
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.72x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Ohio State University State Health System is $906. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 3.72x the Medicare baseline. Located in 410 West 10Th Avenue, Columbus, OH.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$906

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%)

Insurance Median: $906 (372%)

Ins. Median: $906 (372% 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 372% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 272%). 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
Aetna	$231 - $1,659	95%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$231 - $2,008	95%
Medicare (plans)	$231 - $250	95%
Medigold	$231	95%
Mmo	$231 - $1,126	95%
Molina	$231 - $386	95%
Upper Ohio Valley	$231 - $1,362	95%
Humana	$236 - $1,076	97%
Buckeye Community	$238 - $359	98%
Caresource	$243 - $359	100%
Healthspan	$243 - $991	100%
Cigna	$680	279%
United	$680	279%
Osu Health Plan	$701 - $1,251	288%
Odrc	$839	344%
Ohio Ppo	$925 - $1,239	379%
Ohiohealth	$1,342 - $1,548	551%
Lifetrac	$1,404	576%
Frontpath	$1,651	677%
Multiplan	$1,651	677%
Healthsmart	$1,858	762%

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 $X.
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 Ohio State University State Health System 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.