CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Newberry County Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $686
Cash Discount Price: $1,535
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.81x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Newberry County Memorial Hospital is $686. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,535. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.81x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2669 Kinard St Po Box 497, Newberry, SC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,535

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$686

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: $1,535 (630%)

Insurance Median: $686 (281%)

Cash: $1,535 (630% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $686 (281% 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 281% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 181%). 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
Cigna	$79 - $3,306	32%
Aetna	$237 - $2,808	97%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$237 - $2,800	97%
Devoted Health	$244	100%
Humana	$244 - $2,673	100%
Medicare (plans)	$244 - $251	100%
Ambetter / Centene	$248	102%
Molina Marketplace	$248	102%
Medicaid / KanCare	$654 - $2,673	268%
Self Pay	$1,535	630%
UnitedHealthcare	$3,123	1281%
United Payers And United Providers (Up & Up)	$3,858	1583%

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 $1,535.
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 Newberry County Memorial 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.