CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $981
Cash Discount Price: $3,089
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.02x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center is $981. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,089. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 4.02x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 East Mountain Boulevard, Wilkes Barre, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,089

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$981

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: $3,089 (1267%)

Insurance Median: $981 (402%)

Cash: $3,089 (1267% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $981 (402% 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 402% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 302%). 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
Geisinger Health Plan	$239 - $732	98%
Humana	$239	98%
Life Geisinger	$239	98%
Medicare (plans)	$239 - $270	98%
Prison Health Services	$239	98%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$241 - $1,157	99%
Medicaid / KanCare	$256	105%
Geisinger Family Plan	$264	108%
Amerihealth	$295	121%
Upmc For You	$301	123%
Health Partners	$307	126%
Upmc Chip	$320	131%
Ambetter / Centene	$788	323%
Cigna	$2,158 - $2,257	885%
Aetna	$2,320 - $3,329	952%
Christian Healthcare Ministries	$2,492	1022%
UnitedHealthcare	$2,546	1044%
Wyoming Seminary	$3,488	1431%
Intergroup Services	$4,236	1738%
Multiplan	$4,236	1738%

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 $3,089.
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 Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center 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.