CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Grand Strand Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $3,052
Cash Discount Price: $10,460
vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.52x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center is $3,052. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $10,460. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 12.52x the Medicare baseline. Located in 809 82Nd Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$10,460

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,052

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: $10,460 (4291%)

Insurance Median: $3,052 (1252%)

Cash: $10,460 (4291% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,052 (1252% 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 1252% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1152%). 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 - $1,883	174%
Group Health	$430	176%
United	$518 - $4,707	212%
Sc State Employees	$660	271%
Blue Choice	$811	333%
Blue Choice Health Plan	$885	363%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$885 - $9,937	363%
Cigna	$1,653 - $3,379	678%
Nhc Advantage	$1,987	815%
Pruitt Health	$1,987	815%
Aetna	$2,020 - $3,459	829%
Medcost	$5,240 - $7,144	2150%
Vocational Rehab	$5,648	2317%
Employers Health Network	$5,753	2360%
Evernorth	$8,368	3433%
First Health	$8,630	3540%
Global Excel Management	$8,682	3562%
Humana	$8,891	3647%
Multiplan	$8,891	3647%
National Choicecare	$8,891	3647%
Prime Health	$8,891	3647%
Novanet	$9,414	3862%

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 $10,460.
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 Grand Strand Regional 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.