CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Methodist Hospital Atascosa

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $811
Cash Discount Price: $8,231
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.33x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Methodist Hospital Atascosa is $811. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $8,231. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 3.33x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1905 Hwy 97 East, Jourdanton, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$8,231

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$811

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: $8,231 (3377%)

Insurance Median: $811 (333%)

Cash: $8,231 (3377% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $811 (333% 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 333% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 233%). 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
Community First Health Plans	$197 - $2,893	81%
Molina	$197	81%
United	$197 - $4,822	81%
Aetna	$215 - $5,358	88%
Humana	$246	101%
Superior Health	$287 - $536	118%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$375 - $3,161	154%
Imperial Insurance	$1,092 - $2,036	448%
Healthsmart Preferred Care	$3,160 - $5,894	1296%
Multiplan	$4,310 - $9,109	1768%
Triwest Health Alliance	$4,310 - $8,037	1768%

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 $8,231.
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 Methodist Hospital Atascosa 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.