CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Columbus Community Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $1,059
Cash Discount Price: $2,757
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.34x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Columbus Community Hospital is $1,059. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,757. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 4.34x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1515 Park Ave, Columbus, WI.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,757

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,059

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: $2,757 (1131%)

Insurance Median: $1,059 (434%)

Cash: $2,757 (1131% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,059 (434% 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 434% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 334%). 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
Dean Health Plan	$244 - $1,869	100%
My Choice Wisconsin	$244 - $422	100%
Quartz	$244 - $3,293	100%
Security Health Plan	$244 - $3,741	100%
UnitedHealthcare	$244 - $4,160	100%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$422 - $3,859	173%
Icare	$422 - $1,453	173%
Alliance	$665	273%
Cigna	$2,997	1229%
Health Payment Systems	$3,759	1542%
Trilogy	$4,110	1686%
Wps	$4,220	1731%
Healtheos	$4,360 - $4,661	1789%
First Health	$4,411	1809%
Humana	$4,511	1851%

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 $2,757.
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 Columbus Community 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.