CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Piedmont Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $654
Cash Discount Price: $5,795
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.68x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Piedmont Medical Center is $654. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $5,795. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.68x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1731 Frank Gaston Blvd, Rock Hill, SC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$5,795

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$654

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: $5,795 (2377%)

Insurance Median: $654 (268%)

Cash: $5,795 (2377% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $654 (268% 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 268% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 168%). 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
Ambetter / Centene	$170 - $176	70%
UnitedHealthcare	$230	94%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$654 - $2,626	268%
Humana	$654	268%
Molina	$654	268%
Aetna	$893 - $5,872	366%

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 $5,795.
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 Piedmont 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.