CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Black River Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,636
Cash Discount Price: $3,448
vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.71x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Black River Memorial Hospital is $1,636. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,448. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 6.71x the Medicare baseline. Located in 711 W Adams St, Black River Falls, WI.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,448

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,636

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: $3,448 (1414%)

Insurance Median: $1,636 (671%)

Cash: $3,448 (1414% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,636 (671% 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 671% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 571%). 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	$27 - $1,954	11%
My Choice Wisconsin, Inc.	$27 - $1,954	11%
Quartz Health Solutions, Inc	$27 - $3,486	11%
Security Health Plan	$27 - $3,578	11%
The Alliance	$27 - $3,678	11%
UnitedHealthcare	$27 - $3,613	11%
Humana	$65 - $3,563	27%
Group Health Cooperative Of Eau Claire	$67 - $3,716	27%
Multiplan	$81 - $3,793	33%
Corvel	$1,050 - $2,337	431%
Triology Health Solutions	$1,550 - $3,639	636%
Medica	$1,608 - $3,578	660%
Association Benefits Solution	$1,636 - $3,639	671%
Family Health Center Of Marshfield	$1,636 - $3,639	671%
First Health Group Corporation	$1,636 - $3,639	671%
Provider Network Of America	$1,636 - $3,639	671%
Cigna	$1,670 - $3,716	685%
Cofinity	$1,670 - $3,716	685%
Coventry Health Care	$1,670 - $3,716	685%
Custom Benefit Administrators	$1,670 - $3,716	685%
Healthpartners, Inc.	$1,670 - $3,716	685%
Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corp	$1,670 - $3,716	685%
Chorus	$1,688 - $3,754	692%

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 $3,448.
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 Black River Memorial 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.