CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Valley Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,149
Cash Discount Price: $21,920
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.82x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Valley Regional Medical Center is $2,149. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $21,920. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 8.82x the Medicare baseline. Located in 100 A Alton Gloor, Brownsville, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$21,920

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,149

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: $21,920 (8992%)

Insurance Median: $2,149 (882%)

Cash: $21,920 (8992% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,149 (882% 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 882% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 782%). 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
Texas Health Network	$195	80%
Usa Mco	$197	81%
Driscoll Childrens Health Plan	$203	83%
United	$203 - $9,864	83%
Aetna	$215 - $2,879	88%
Molina Healthcare	$217	89%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$571 - $9,864	234%
Humana	$1,488	610%
Superior Health Plan	$1,534	629%
Texas Workforce Commission	$5,261	2158%
Averde Health	$7,233	2967%
Healthsmart Preferred Care	$9,425 - $18,632	3866%
First Health	$12,604	5170%
National Healthcare Solutions	$13,152	5395%
Southwest Medical	$13,152	5395%
Coastal Comp	$14,248	5845%
Total E&P Mexico	$14,248	5845%
Affiliated Healthcare	$14,905	6114%
Mcm Maxcare	$17,536	7194%
Pronet Ppo	$17,536	7194%
Usa Managed Care	$17,536	7194%
Beech Street	$19,728	8093%

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 $21,920.
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 Valley Regional 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.