CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center -Taylor

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,753
Cash Discount Price: $1,913
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.19x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center -Taylor is $1,753. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,913. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 7.19x the Medicare baseline. Located in 305 Mallard, Taylor, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,913

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,753

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: $1,913 (785%)

Insurance Median: $1,753 (719%)

Cash: $1,913 (785% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,753 (719% 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 719% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 619%). 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
Baylor Scott & White Health Plan	$636 - $1,855	261%
Triwest	$669	274%
Corvel	$701	288%
Prime Health Services	$701	288%
American Health Plan	$703	288%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$703 - $1,114	288%
Healthspring	$703	288%
Procare Advantage	$703	288%
Superior Health Plan	$703	288%
Careworks Fka Rockport	$832	341%
Injury Management Organization	$832	341%
Sedgwick	$832	341%
Cigna	$1,711 - $2,013	702%
Aetna	$1,753	719%
Midcoast	$1,753	719%
Quiktrip	$1,753	719%
Independent Medical System	$1,913	785%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,921	788%
University Of Mary Hardin-Baylor	$2,014	826%
Curative	$2,072	850%
Humana	$2,072 - $2,231	850%
First Health	$2,231	915%
Healthsmart	$2,231 - $2,391	915%
Private Health Care System	$2,391	981%
Bluebell Creameries	$2,550	1046%
Three Rivers	$2,550	1046%

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 $1,913.
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 Baylor Scott & White Medical Center -Taylor 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.