CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Conway Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $220
Cash Discount Price: $996
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.90x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Conway Medical Center is $220. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $996. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.90x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Singleton Ridge Road, Conway, SC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$996

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$220

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: $996 (409%)

Insurance Median: $220 (90%)

Cash: $996 (409% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $220 (90% 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
Aetna	$51 - $1,136	21%
Absolute Total Care	$66 - $353	27%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$66 - $1,532	27%
Clover Health	$66 - $225	27%
Devoted	$66 - $225	27%
Emblem	$66 - $225	27%
Healthteam	$66 - $225	27%
Humana	$66 - $225	27%
Molina	$66 - $225	27%
Nhc	$66 - $237	27%
Pruitt	$66 - $237	27%
Select Health	$66 - $225	27%
UnitedHealthcare	$66 - $1,064	27%
Velocity	$66 - $451	27%
Wellcare	$66 - $225	27%
Medcost	$243 - $881	100%
Cigna	$301 - $1,093	123%
Blue Choice	$1,181	484%

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 $996.
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 Conway 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.