CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Marshfield Medical Center - Eau Claire

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,931
Cash Discount Price: $1,978
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.92x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Marshfield Medical Center - Eau Claire is $1,931. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,978. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 7.92x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2310 Craig Rd, Eau Claire, WI.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,978

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,931

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: $1,978 (811%)

Insurance Median: $1,931 (792%)

Cash: $1,978 (811% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,931 (792% 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 792% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 692%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$863 - $978	354%
Family Health Center (Fhc)	$1,041	427%
Amish/Mennonite	$1,145	470%
Sanford Health Plan	$1,145	470%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,329 - $1,716	545%
Security Health Plan (Shp)	$1,487 - $2,033	610%
The Alliance	$1,603 - $1,866	658%
Group Health Cooperative Of Eau Claire	$1,707 - $1,874	700%
Besse Forest Products	$1,770	726%
Molina Healthcare Of Wi	$1,770	726%
Rice Lake School District	$1,770	726%
Wps Health Insurance	$1,843 - $2,009	756%
Medica Of Wi	$1,940 - $1,982	796%
Cigna	$1,978	811%
Corvel	$1,978	811%
First Health	$1,978	811%
Health Partners	$1,978	811%
Healtheos By Multiplan Inc.	$1,978	811%
Three Rivers Provider Network (Trpn)	$1,978	811%
Trilogy	$1,988 - $1,999	816%
Coventry	$1,999	820%
Health Smart	$1,999	820%
Rising Medical Work Comp	$2,020	829%

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 $1,978.
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 Marshfield Medical Center - Eau Claire 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.