CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Porter Hospital Inc

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $318
Cash Discount Price: $2,001
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.30x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Porter Hospital Inc is $318. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,001. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 1.30x the Medicare baseline. Located in 115 Porter Drive, Middlebury, VT.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,001

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$318

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: $2,001 (821%)

Insurance Median: $318 (130%)

Cash: $2,001 (821% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $318 (130% 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.

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
UnitedHealthcare	$46 - $3,597	19%
Fidelis Care	$60 - $1,537	25%
Humana	$63 - $230	26%
Aetna	$66 - $1,708	27%
Capital District Physicians' Health Plan	$66 - $3,030	27%
Martins Point	$66 - $1,708	27%
Veterans Affairs Community Care Network	$66 - $1,708	27%
Veterans Choice	$66 - $1,708	27%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$76 - $3,423	31%
Harvard Pilgrim	$77 - $2,906	32%
Coventry	$86 - $3,197	35%
Cigna	$96 - $3,304	39%
Mvp	$98 - $3,386	40%
Wellpath	$203 - $1,998	83%
Medical Corporation	$351 - $3,451	144%
Multiplan	$351 - $3,451	144%

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 $2,001.
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 Porter Hospital Inc 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.