CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Dell Children's Medical Center

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $805
Cash Discount Price: $2,321
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.30x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Dell Children's Medical Center is $805. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,321. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 3.30x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4900 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,321

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$805

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: $2,321 (952%)

Insurance Median: $805 (330%)

Cash: $2,321 (952% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $805 (330% 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 330% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 230%). 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
Champva	$156 - $218	64%
Ambetter / Centene	$199 - $211	82%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$199 - $1,042	82%
Wellpoint Chip/Chip Perinate	$199 - $211	82%
Wellpoint Star Kids	$199	82%
Wellpoint Star Plus	$199 - $213	82%
Dell Chip/Chip Perinate	$211 - $213	87%
Dell Star	$211 - $213	87%
UnitedHealthcare	$211 - $213	87%
Wellpoint Star	$211 - $213	87%
Humana	$250	103%
Tricare	$264	108%
Seton Performance Plus	$755	310%
Superior Star	$1,272 - $1,381	522%
Superior Star Foster	$1,272 - $1,381	522%
Superior Star Kids	$1,272 - $1,381	522%
Superior Star Plus	$1,272 - $1,381	522%
Aetna	$1,365 - $1,969	560%
Covenant Health	$1,365	560%
Superior Chip/Chip Perinate	$1,430 - $1,554	587%
Cigna	$1,750	718%

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 $2,321.
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 Dell Children's 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.