CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: North Austin Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72148
  • Insurance Median: $946
  • Cash Discount Price: $3,783
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.88x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at North Austin Medical Center is $946. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,783. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 3.88x the Medicare baseline. Located in 12221 Mopac Expressway North, Austin, TX.
Cash / Self-Pay
$3,783

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$946

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: $3,783 (1552%)
Insurance Median: $946 (388%)
Cash: $3,783 (1552% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $946 (388% 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 388% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 288%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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 $67 - $1,060 27%
St David’S Hospice $197 81%
United $203 - $2,805 83%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $207 - $1,839 85%
Molina Healthcare $217 89%
Humana $246 101%
Sendero $246 101%
Aetna $248 - $2,974 102%
Imo Med - Select Network $400 - $1,870 164%
Amerigroup $418 171%
Texas Healthcare Foundation Heb $493 - $2,306 202%
Texas Workforce Commission $520 - $2,431 213%
Averde Health $600 - $2,805 246%
UnitedHealthcare $600 - $2,805 246%
Comanche County $666 - $3,116 273%
National Choicecare $666 - $3,116 273%
Healthsmart Preferred Care $733 - $4,986 301%
Independent Medical Systems $733 - $3,428 301%
Physicians Cooperative Of Texas $733 - $3,428 301%
Prime Health $800 - $3,740 328%
First Health $833 - $4,425 342%
Coastal Comp Health Networks $866 - $4,051 355%
National Health Care $866 - $4,051 355%
Texas Municipal League $933 - $4,363 383%
Medcorp Southwest $1,000 - $4,675 410%
Rockport Healthcare Group $1,066 - $5,610 437%
Bce Emergis Corporation $1,200 - $5,610 492%
Beech Street $1,200 - $5,610 492%
Medical Control Network Solutions $1,200 - $5,610 492%
Multiplan $1,200 - $5,610 492%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 12221 Mopac Expressway North, Austin, TX 78758
  • CMS Rating: ★★★☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Proprietary
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals