CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: Vidant Roanoke Chowan Hospital

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $3,484
Cash Discount Price: $3,152
vs. Medicare Baseline: 14.29x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at Vidant Roanoke Chowan Hospital is $3,484. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,152. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 14.29x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 S Academy St, Ahoskie, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,152

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,484

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: $3,152 (1293%)

Insurance Median: $3,484 (1429%)

Cash: $3,152 (1293% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,484 (1429% 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 1429% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1329%). 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
Humana	$243	100%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$243 - $3,078	100%
UnitedHealthcare	$248 - $3,107	102%
Liberty Advantage [1313]	$255	105%
Aetna	$255 - $4,604	105%
Longevity Health [1411]	$316	130%
Carolina Complete Health [1317]	$1,397	573%
Wellcare [1320]	$1,404	576%
Amerihealth McAid Adv [1316]	$1,410	578%
Nc Dept of Public Safety [1095]	$2,049	841%
Medcost [1067]	$3,484 - $3,669	1429%
Cigna	$4,784 - $5,403	1963%
Multiplan [1031]	$5,347	2193%

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 $3,152.
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 Vidant Roanoke Chowan 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.