CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Snoqualmie Valley Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $613
Cash Discount Price: $1,806
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.51x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Snoqualmie Valley Hospital is $613. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,806. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 2.51x the Medicare baseline. Located in 9801 Frontier Ave Se, Snoqualmie, WA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,806

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$613

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: $1,806 (741%)

Insurance Median: $613 (251%)

Cash: $1,806 (741% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $613 (251% 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 251% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 151%). 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
Community Health Plan Of Wa Mcd Rep	$116 - $2,544	48%
Medicaid / KanCare	$116 - $2,544	48%
UnitedHealthcare	$116 - $5,014	48%
Amerigroup Wellpoint	$123 - $2,697	50%
Washington Coordinated Care	$126 - $2,748	52%
Molina Healthcare Of Washington Mcd Rep	$128 - $2,748	53%
Blue Shield Of Wa Regence Mcr Adv	$221 - $2,319	91%
Community Health Plan Of Wa	$221 - $2,343	91%
Medicare (plans)	$221 - $2,296	91%
Molina Healthcare Of Washington Mcr Adv	$221 - $2,296	91%
Molina Healthcare Of Washington	$225 - $2,343	92%
Aetna	$254 - $3,166	104%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$270 - $3,270	111%
Blue Shield Of Wa Regence	$277 - $461	114%
First Choice Health Network	$296 - $3,815	121%
Humana	$331 - $2,319	136%
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Of The Northwest	$490 - $3,431	201%
Cigna	$623 - $4,360	256%

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 $1,806.
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 Snoqualmie Valley 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.