CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Trident Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,686
Cash Discount Price: $7,358
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.02x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Trident Medical Center is $2,686. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $7,358. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 11.02x the Medicare baseline. Located in 9330 Medical Plaza Dr, Charleston, SC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$7,358

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,686

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: $7,358 (3018%)

Insurance Median: $2,686 (1102%)

Cash: $7,358 (3018% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,686 (1102% 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 1102% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1002%). 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
Select Health	$218	89%
Absolute Total Care	$423 - $1,324	174%
United	$518 - $3,311	212%
Sc State Employees	$660	271%
Blue Choice	$811	333%
Blue Choice Health Plan	$907	372%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$907 - $6,990	372%
Nhc Advantage	$1,398	573%
Pruitt Health	$1,398	573%
Aetna	$1,909 - $4,684	783%
Medcost	$2,811 - $4,135	1153%
Employers Health Network	$3,311	1358%
Vocational Rehab	$3,973	1630%
Humana	$4,783 - $5,518	1962%
First Health	$5,371	2203%
Evernorth	$5,886	2415%
Multiplan	$6,254	2566%
Prime Health	$6,254	2566%
Novanet	$6,622	2716%

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 $7,358.
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 Trident 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.