CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: St Lukes Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $377
Cash Discount Price: $6,378
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.55x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at St Lukes Hospital is $377. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $6,378. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.55x the Medicare baseline. Located in 801 Ostrum Street, Bethlehem, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$6,378

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$377

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: $6,378 (2616%)

Insurance Median: $377 (155%)

Cash: $6,378 (2616% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $377 (155% 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$247 - $2,431	101%
Highmark	$247 - $803	101%
Aetna	$252 - $2,682	103%
Geisinger	$252 - $2,161	103%
Keystone First	$256	105%
Humana	$257	105%
Upmc Health Plan	$260 - $2,106	107%
UnitedHealthcare	$267 - $2,221	110%
Highmark Wholecare	$295	121%
Amerihealth Caritas	$307	126%
Jefferson Health Plan	$369	151%
Oscar	$1,994	818%
Cigna	$2,103	863%

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 $6,378.
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 St Lukes 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.