CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Cook Childrens Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,445
Cash Discount Price: $2,463
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.93x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Cook Childrens Medical Center is $1,445. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,463. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 5.93x the Medicare baseline. Located in 801 Seventh Avenue, Fort Worth, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,463

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,445

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: $2,463 (1010%)

Insurance Median: $1,445 (593%)

Cash: $2,463 (1010% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,445 (593% 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 593% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 493%). 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
Health Plan W. Uhrip	$176 - $1,248	72%
Health Plan W/O Uhrip	$176 - $788	72%
Aetna	$251 - $2,791	103%
Wellpoint	$309	127%
Superior Health	$318	130%
Molina	$324	133%
United Community	$324	133%
Beacon	$788 - $1,445	323%
Firstcare	$788 - $2,627	323%
Rightcare	$1,098 - $1,445	450%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,186 - $2,955	487%
El Paso Health First	$1,445	593%
Tx Children Health	$1,445	593%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,445 - $2,791	593%
S&W Health	$2,758	1131%
Cigna	$2,791	1145%
Healthscope	$2,791	1145%
Imagine Health	$2,791	1145%
Humana	$2,857 - $2,889	1172%
Multiplan	$2,857	1172%
First Health	$2,889	1185%
Galaxy Health	$2,955	1212%
Healthsmart	$2,955	1212%
Usamco	$3,021	1239%

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 $2,463.
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 Cook Childrens 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.