CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,094
Cash Discount Price: $10,732
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.49x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center is $1,094. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $10,732. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 4.49x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1313 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$10,732

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,094

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: $10,732 (4403%)

Insurance Median: $1,094 (449%)

Cash: $10,732 (4403% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,094 (449% 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 449% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 349%). 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
Superior Health Plan	$194 - $1,094	80%
Community Health Choice Mcd	$199	82%
United	$203 - $8,206	83%
Aetna	$215 - $2,168	88%
Molina Healthcare	$217	89%
Humana	$246 - $2,640	101%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$501 - $6,382	206%
Christus (Usfhp)	$1,291 - $7,294	530%
Coventry National First Health	$1,720 - $9,719	706%
Cigna	$2,127 - $2,739	873%

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 $10,732.
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 HCA Houston Healthcare 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.