CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: UPMC Mercy

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,475
Cash Discount Price: $4,125
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.15x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at UPMC Mercy is $2,475. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $4,125. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 10.15x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1400 Locust Street, Pittsburgh, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$4,125

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,475

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: $4,125 (1692%)

Insurance Median: $2,475 (1015%)

Cash: $4,125 (1692% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,475 (1015% 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 1015% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 915%). 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
Upmc Health Plan	$192 - $1,949	79%
Aetna	$242 - $2,750	99%
Amerihealth Caritas	$249 - $405	102%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$249 - $3,438	102%
Pa Health & Wellness	$249 - $437	102%
UnitedHealthcare	$295	121%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$619 - $3,524	254%
Premier Comp Solutions	$1,273	522%
Upmc Work Partners	$1,369	562%
Bravo	$1,719	705%
Cigna	$2,338 - $4,125	959%
Coventry/First Health	$3,025	1241%
Intergroup	$3,438 - $5,500	1410%
Private Health Care Systems	$5,156	2115%
American Healthcare Group	$5,500	2256%
National Provider Network	$5,638	2313%
Health Payors Organization	$6,188	2538%
Multiplan	$6,188	2538%

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 $4,125.
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 Mercy 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.