CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Guadalupe Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $323
Cash Discount Price: $833
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.33x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center is $323. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $833. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.33x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1215 E Court St, Seguin, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$833

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$323

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: $833 (342%)

Insurance Median: $323 (133%)

Cash: $833 (342% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $323 (133% 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.

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 Hlth Plan Mmcd	$171 - $1,382	70%
Aetna	$180 - $2,610	74%
Christus Exchange Health Plan	$180 - $233	74%
Mcr Clover Health	$180 - $233	74%
Mcr Texas Independence Health	$180 - $233	74%
Mcr Wellcare	$180 - $233	74%
Oscar Health Plan	$180 - $233	74%
Va Triwest Health Alliance	$180 - $233	74%
Healthcare Highways	$285 - $2,302	117%
UnitedHealthcare	$285 - $2,302	117%
Humana	$323 - $2,610	133%
Cigna	$342 - $2,763	140%
Texas Mutual Insurance Co	$342 - $2,763	140%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,254 - $1,394	514%

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 $833.
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 Guadalupe 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.