CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: CHI St Lukes Lakeside Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72148
  • Insurance Median: $1,023
  • Cash Discount Price: $3,529
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.20x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at CHI St Lukes Lakeside Hospital is $1,023. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,529. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 4.20x the Medicare baseline. Located in 17400 St Lukes Way, The Woodlands, TX.
Cash / Self-Pay
$3,529

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$1,023

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: $3,529 (1448%)
Insurance Median: $1,023 (420%)
Cash: $3,529 (1448% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $1,023 (420% 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 420% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 320%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Renaissance $174 71%
Wellpoint $197 - $363 81%
UnitedHealthcare $201 - $8,330 82%
United $203 - $4,739 83%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $207 - $1,014 85%
Chc $229 - $5,545 94%
Cigna $242 - $7,057 99%
Humana $242 - $6,553 99%
Kelsey $242 99%
Selectcare $242 99%
Aetna $247 - $6,856 101%
Amerivantage $249 102%
Devoted $259 106%
Scanhealth $259 106%
Kindred $266 109%
Kelseycare $327 - $1,399 134%
Ambetter / Centene $363 149%
Community Health Choice $363 149%
Harris Health $363 149%
Bright Health $385 158%
Nx Health $787 323%
Tchp $807 - $1,081 331%
Tchpchip $3,529 - $4,436 1448%
Texastruechoice $5,545 2275%
Coventry $6,553 2688%
First Health $6,553 2688%
Healthsmart $7,057 2895%
Interlink $7,057 2895%
Multiplan $7,562 3102%
USA Health Network $8,570 3516%
Mhealth Network $10,082 4136%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 17400 St Lukes Way, The Woodlands, TX 77384
  • CMS Rating: No CMS Rating
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Other
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals