CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Seton Medical Center Harker Heights

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $937
Cash Discount Price: $240
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.84x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Seton Medical Center Harker Heights is $937. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $240. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 3.84x the Medicare baseline. Located in 850 W Central Texas Expressway, Harker Heights, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$240

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$937

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: $240 (98%)

Insurance Median: $937 (384%)

Cash: $240 (98% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $937 (384% 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 384% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 284%). 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
Healthscope Benefits [2290]	$433	178%
UnitedHealthcare	$433 - $937	178%
Aetna	$445 - $1,380	183%
Healthcare Highways [2210]	$937	384%
Medicaid / KanCare	$937 - $2,577	384%
Oncology Patient Assistance Programs [2295]	$937	384%
Selecthealth [3740]	$937	384%
Web Tpa [2115]	$937 - $1,923	384%
Humana	$1,573	645%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,779	730%
First Care Commercial [1371]	$1,803	740%
Allied Benefit Systems Inc [1030]	$1,923	789%
Cigna	$2,082	854%

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 $240.
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 Seton Medical Center Harker Heights 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.