CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Childrens Medical Ctr of Dallas

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,814
Cash Discount Price: $3,015
vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.54x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Childrens Medical Ctr of Dallas is $2,814. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,015. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 11.54x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1935 Medical District Drive, Dallas, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,015

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,814

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: $3,015 (1237%)

Insurance Median: $2,814 (1154%)

Cash: $3,015 (1237% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,814 (1154% 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 1154% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1054%). 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
Aetna	$162 - $2,814	66%
Humana	$162 - $3,015	66%
Medicaid / KanCare	$162	66%
Oklahoma Complete Health	$162	66%
Molina Healthcare	$197	81%
Superior Health Plan	$207	85%
Wellpoint	$348	143%
Firstcare Health	$965	396%
Parkland Community	$1,327	544%
Texas Children'S Health Plan	$1,327	544%
Cookchildren'S Health Plan	$1,367	561%
Carelon	$1,487 - $1,970	610%
Methodist	$1,572 - $2,289	645%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,608 - $2,734	660%
Cigna	$1,700 - $2,774	697%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,850 - $3,015	759%
Employers Health Network	$2,814	1154%
Imagine Health	$2,814	1154%
Scott & White	$2,854	1171%
Txp Emerging Therapy Solutions	$2,854	1171%
Healthsmart	$2,935 - $3,417	1204%
Healthscope Benefit Solutions	$3,015	1237%
Phcs	$3,015	1237%
Quiktrip (Qt)	$3,015	1237%
Txp Interlink	$3,015	1237%
Coventry Health	$3,216	1319%
Equifax Healthcare	$3,417	1402%
Multiplan	$3,417	1402%
Usa Managed Care	$3,739	1534%
Galaxy Health	$3,899	1599%

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 $3,015.
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 Childrens Medical Ctr of Dallas 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.