CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: St Jude Childrens Research Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $604
Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.48x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at St Jude Childrens Research Hospital is $604. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.48x the Medicare baseline. Located in 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN.

Cash / Self-Pay

Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$604

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%)

Insurance Median: $604 (248%)

Ins. Median: $604 (248% 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 248% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 148%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$83 - $2,020	34%
Home State Health	$199	82%
Medicaid / KanCare	$204	84%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$265 - $381	109%
Molina Marketplace Of Ms	$296	121%
Tenncare Select Hmo	$414	170%
Healthcare Connections La	$428	176%
Empower	$432	177%
Health Choice - Ok	$604	248%
Healthy Blue	$702	288%
Cigna	$750	308%
Humana	$1,500	615%
Vantage	$1,684 - $1,880	691%
Aetna	$2,104	863%
Private Health Care Systems	$2,245	921%
Ms Physicians Care Network	$2,385	978%
Baptist Health	$2,525	1036%
First Health Ccn	$2,525	1036%
Health Choice	$2,525	1036%
Health Link Mississippi	$2,525	1036%
Healthscope Benefits Inc	$2,525	1036%
Tricare	$2,806	1151%

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 $X.
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 St Jude Childrens Research 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.