CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Hillcrest

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,643
Cash Discount Price: $2,119
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.74x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Hillcrest is $1,643. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,119. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 6.74x the Medicare baseline. Located in 100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd, Waco, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,119

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,643

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: $2,119 (869%)

Insurance Median: $1,643 (674%)

Cash: $2,119 (869% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,643 (674% 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 674% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 574%). 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
Superior Health Plan	$199	82%
Baylor Scott & White Health Plan	$213 - $1,855	87%
Humana	$224 - $2,472	92%
Triwest	$224	92%
American Health Plan	$235	96%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$235 - $1,114	96%
Corvel	$235	96%
Prime Health Services	$235	96%
Procare Advantage	$235	96%
UnitedHealthcare	$258 - $2,621	106%
Injury Management Organization	$278	114%
Sedgwick	$335	137%
Texas Workforce Commission	$1,165	478%
Imagine Health	$1,622	665%
Cigna	$1,711 - $2,013	702%
Aetna	$1,942	797%
Midcoast	$1,942	797%
Quiktrip	$1,942	797%
University Of Mary Hardin-Baylor	$2,014	826%
Independent Medical System	$2,119	869%
Curative	$2,295	941%
First Health	$2,472	1014%
Healthsmart	$2,472 - $2,648	1014%
Private Health Care System	$2,648	1086%

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 $2,119.
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 Baylor Scott & White Medical Center Hillcrest 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.