CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Reading Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,948
Cash Discount Price: $3,410
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.99x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Reading Hospital is $1,948. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,410. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 7.99x the Medicare baseline. Located in 420 S 5Th Avenue, West Reading, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,410

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,948

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: $3,410 (1399%)

Insurance Median: $1,948 (799%)

Cash: $3,410 (1399% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,948 (799% 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 799% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 699%). 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	$206 - $2,631	85%
Geisinger	$225 - $3,084	92%
Keystone First	$225	92%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$227 - $2,951	93%
Pa Health & Wellness	$234	96%
UnitedHealthcare	$234 - $2,218	96%
Amerihealth Caritas	$239	98%
Health Partners	$239	98%
Gateway	$240	98%
Wernersville State Hospital	$243	100%
Aetna	$468 - $3,361	192%
Pma	$1,948	799%
Lehigh Valley Health Network	$2,192	899%
Cigna	$2,786	1143%
Berkshire	$3,653	1499%
First Health	$3,751	1539%
Blue Ridge	$4,627	1898%

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 $3,410.
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 Reading 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.