CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Shannon Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,943
Cash Discount Price: $2,615
vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.07x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Shannon Medical Center is $2,943. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,615. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 12.07x the Medicare baseline. Located in 120 E Harris Ave., San Angelo, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,615

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,943

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: $2,615 (1073%)

Insurance Median: $2,943 (1207%)

Cash: $2,615 (1073% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,943 (1207% 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 1207% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1107%). 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
Molina Healthcare - Chip	$209	86%
Wellpoint	$217 - $306	89%
Care Improvement	$227	93%
Humana	$227 - $5,097	93%
Wellmed	$227	93%
Scott & White	$363	149%
Insurance Management Services	$370	152%
Insurance Services Of Lubbock	$370	152%
Kempton Group	$454	186%
Pdh/Texas Trust	$454	186%
Ambetter / Centene	$488	200%
90 Degree Benefits	$567	233%
Caprock	$567	233%
City Of San Angelo	$568 - $886	233%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$916 - $4,778	376%
Web Tpa	$1,839 - $2,867	754%
Aetna	$2,697 - $4,205	1106%
Assurant Health	$2,697 - $4,205	1106%
Cigna	$2,943 - $4,587	1207%
First Health	$3,065 - $4,778	1257%
UnitedHealthcare	$3,188 - $4,969	1308%
Healthsmart	$3,637 - $5,670	1492%

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 $2,615.
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 Shannon 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.