CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: UPMC Jameson

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $345
Cash Discount Price: $1,520
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.42x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at UPMC Jameson is $345. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,520. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.42x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1211 Wilmington Avenue, New Castle, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,520

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$345

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: $1,520 (624%)

Insurance Median: $345 (142%)

Cash: $1,520 (624% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $345 (142% 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
Aetna	$198 - $289	81%
UnitedHealthcare	$215 - $1,614	88%
Humana	$230 - $2,026	94%
Upmc Health Plan	$240 - $1,949	98%
Amerihealth Caritas	$249 - $333	102%
Cigna	$249 - $1,122	102%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$249 - $1,266	102%
Pa Health & Wellness	$249 - $437	102%
Occunet	$288	118%
Geisinger	$356	146%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$630	258%
Upmc Work Partners	$1,247	512%
Multiplan	$1,900 - $2,026	779%
National Provider Network	$2,229	914%

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 $1,520.
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 UPMC Jameson 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.