CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: University of Wi Hospitals & Clinics Authority

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72148
  • Insurance Median: $2,571
  • Cash Discount Price: $2,452
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.55x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at University of Wi Hospitals & Clinics Authority is $2,571. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,452. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 10.55x the Medicare baseline. Located in 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI.
Cash / Self-Pay
$2,452

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$2,571

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: $2,452 (1006%)
Insurance Median: $2,571 (1055%)
Cash: $2,452 (1006% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $2,571 (1055% 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 1055% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 955%). 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
Aetna $244 - $3,686 100%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $244 - $4,366 100%
Humana $244 100%
Medicare (plans) $244 - $249 100%
UnitedHealthcare $244 - $2,877 100%
Alliance_Premier_Network $1,708 - $2,196 701%
Mercycare $1,774 - $2,280 728%
Triology $1,824 - $2,804 748%
Security_Health_Plan $1,931 - $2,918 792%
Employer'S_Coalition_On_Health $1,967 - $3,539 807%
Alliance $2,011 - $2,585 825%
Hfn $2,038 - $3,539 836%
United_Healthcare $2,049 - $3,902 841%
Beloit_Health_System $2,074 - $2,666 851%
Aspirus_Health_Plan $2,088 - $2,684 857%
Cigna $2,146 - $2,758 880%
Health_Partners_Insurance $2,181 - $2,804 895%
Health_Payment_Systems $2,192 - $2,817 899%
Dean_Health_Plan $2,289 - $2,941 939%
Medical_Associates $2,360 - $3,033 968%
Wps $2,478 - $3,507 1017%
Employers_Healthcare_Coalition_Of_Wi $2,503 - $3,217 1027%
Aspirus_Network_Inc $2,754 - $3,539 1130%
Chorus_Community $2,861 - $3,677 1174%
Ghc_Eau_Claire_Health_Plan $2,861 - $3,677 1174%
Multiplan $2,861 - $4,228 1174%
Sheybogan_Employers_Health_Network $2,861 - $3,677 1174%
Coventry $3,040 - $3,907 1247%
Dean_Care $3,040 - $3,907 1247%
Healthsmart $3,147 - $4,044 1291%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★★
  • Ownership Type: Government - Hospital District or Authority
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals