CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Dell Seton Med Center at the University of Tx

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $213
Cash Discount Price: $1,144
vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.87x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Dell Seton Med Center at the University of Tx is $213. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,144. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 0.87x the Medicare baseline. Located in 601 E 15Th Street, Austin, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,144

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$213

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: $1,144 (469%)

Insurance Median: $213 (87%)

Cash: $1,144 (469% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $213 (87% 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
Champva	$156 - $218	64%
Ambetter / Centene	$199 - $211	82%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$199 - $1,042	82%
Dell Chip/Chip Perinate	$199 - $213	82%
Wellpoint Chip/Chip Perinate	$199 - $211	82%
Wellpoint Star Kids	$199	82%
Wellpoint Star Plus	$199 - $213	82%
Dell Star	$211 - $213	87%
UnitedHealthcare	$211 - $213	87%
Wellpoint Star	$211 - $213	87%
Humana	$250	103%
Tricare	$264	108%
Seton Performance Plus	$755	310%
Superior Star	$1,272	522%
Superior Star Foster	$1,272	522%
Superior Star Kids	$1,272	522%
Superior Star Plus	$1,272	522%
Aetna	$1,365 - $1,969	560%
Covenant Health	$1,365	560%
Superior Chip/Chip Perinate	$1,430	587%
Cigna	$1,750	718%

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 $1,144.
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 Dell Seton Med Center at the University of Tx 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.