CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Harlingen Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $310
Cash Discount Price: $238
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.27x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Harlingen Medical Center is $310. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $238. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.27x the Medicare baseline. Located in 5501 South Expressway 77, Harlingen, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$238

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$310

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: $238 (98%)

Insurance Median: $310 (127%)

Cash: $238 (98% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $310 (127% 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.

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
Medicaid / KanCare	$197 - $412	81%
Superior Health Plan	$197 - $400	81%
Molina	$209 - $424	86%
Aetna	$239 - $1,211	98%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$239 - $741	98%
Careworks Worker Compensation Fka Rockport Community Network	$239	98%
Cigna	$239 - $380	98%
Humana	$239	98%
Medicare (plans)	$239	98%
San Benito Medical Associates	$239	98%
Texas Bluebonnett Health Plan	$239 - $394	98%
Tricare	$239	98%
UnitedHealthcare	$239 - $1,500	98%
Veterans Evaluation Services	$239	98%
Wellmed	$239	98%
Workers Compensation	$239	98%
Provider Partners Health Plan	$250	103%
Imperial Insurance Company	$253	104%
Asserta Health	$310	127%
Friday Health Plan	$310	127%
Magic Valley Electric Cooperative	$310	127%
Superior Health Commercial Exchange	$310	127%
Employer Direct Healthcare	$334	137%
Corporate Remedies Worker Compensation	$358	147%
Naphcare	$370	152%
Baker Benefits Administrators	$477	196%

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 $238.
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 Harlingen 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.