CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,933
Cash Discount Price: $2,017
vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.03x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital is $2,933. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,017. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 12.03x the Medicare baseline. Located in 388 Ben Bolt Avenue, Tazewell, VA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,017

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,933

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: $2,017 (827%)

Insurance Median: $2,933 (1203%)

Cash: $2,017 (827% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,933 (1203% 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 1203% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1103%). 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
Corvel	$159	65%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$176 - $1,260	72%
Sentara Health Plan	$179 - $3,572	73%
Abh Of Va (Formerly Coventry)	$184	75%
Abh Of Wva (Formerly Coventry)	$184	75%
Humana	$184 - $227	75%
UnitedHealthcare	$184 - $4,710	75%
Aetna	$209 - $3,826	86%
Allcare	$223	91%
Gateway - Tier 3	$3,169	1300%
Vhn - Ultra	$3,572	1465%
Cigna	$3,659 - $3,901	1501%
Connecticare	$4,033	1654%
Vhn - Plus	$4,437	1820%
Gateway - Tier 2	$4,610	1891%
Vhn	$4,610	1891%
Integrated Health Plan	$4,898	2009%
Vhn - Link	$5,186	2127%
Gateway - Tier 1	$5,474	2246%
Vhn - Secondary Payors	$5,474	2246%
National Provider Network	$5,532	2269%

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 $2,017.
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 Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital 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.