CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Medical Center Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $813
Cash Discount Price: $1,772
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.34x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Medical Center Hospital is $813. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,772. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 3.34x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 W 4Th Street, Odessa, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,772

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$813

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: $1,772 (727%)

Insurance Median: $813 (334%)

Cash: $1,772 (727% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $813 (334% 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 334% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 234%). 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
Corvel Wc	$159 - $187	65%
Medicaid / KanCare	$197 - $207	81%
Superior Chips	$197	81%
UnitedHealthcare	$197 - $2,769	81%
Ambetter / Centene	$219 - $248	90%
Amerigroup	$219	90%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$219 - $1,191	90%
Community Health Choice	$219	90%
First Care Health Plan	$219	90%
Superior Health Plan	$219	90%
Aetna	$227 - $1,828	93%
Humana	$227	93%
Novitas Solutions	$236	97%
Triwest Va Ccn	$236	97%
Care Improvement Plus	$240	98%
Wellcare By Allwell	$248	102%
Group Resources	$288	118%
Caprock	$437 - $1,329	179%
Healthsmart Preferred Care	$478 - $1,661	196%
Workers Comp	$479	196%
Health Select	$813 - $1,191	334%
Geha	$1,050	431%
Firstcare	$1,150 - $1,938	472%
90 Degree Benefits	$1,329	545%
State Comptroller	$1,384	568%
Cigna	$1,401 - $1,568	575%
Texas Mutual Wc	$1,828	750%

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 $1,772.
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 Medical Center 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.