CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Erlanger Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72148
  • Insurance Median: $231
  • Cash Discount Price: $243
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.95x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Erlanger Medical Center is $231. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $243. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.95x the Medicare baseline. Located in 975 E 3Rd St, Chattanooga, TN.
Cash / Self-Pay
$243

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$231

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: $243 (100%)
Insurance Median: $231 (95%)
Cash: $243 (100% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $231 (95% 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.

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
UnitedHealthcare $57 - $524 23%
Amerigroup $65 - $631 27%
Caresource $66 - $631 27%
Peach State Hlth Plan $66 - $489 27%
Bluecare $73 - $1,003 30%
Cigna $73 - $1,359 30%
Devoted Health $82 - $277 34%
Humana $90 - $800 37%
Atrio Health $98 - $293 40%
Point Comfort Underwriters $98 - $479 40%
Alexian $106 - $266 43%
Pruitthealth Premier $114 - $272 47%
Aetna $134 - $1,480 55%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $183 - $2,416 75%
Occunet $211 - $466 87%
Wellpoint $219 90%
Clover $222 - $266 91%
Upmc $222 - $266 91%
American Health $228 - $274 94%
Nhc $233 - $279 96%
Medicare (plans) $266 109%
Ambetter / Centene $277 - $333 114%
Simpra Advantage $293 120%
Caresource Ga $374 - $671 153%
Caresource Tn $374 - $671 153%
Olympus $399 - $2,265 164%
Alliant $426 - $2,265 175%
Caresource Nc $452 - $671 185%
Pnoa $461 - $554 189%
First Health $2,416 - $2,567 991%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 975 E 3Rd St, Chattanooga, TN 37403
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - Hospital District or Authority
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals