CMS Price Transparency Data

MRI, lower back (no contrast)

Facility: The Outer Banks Hospital, Inc

Billing Code: 72148 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72148
Insurance Median: $2,676
Cash Discount Price: $2,327
vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.98x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a MRI, lower back (no contrast) at The Outer Banks Hospital, Inc is $2,676. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,327. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $243.77, this hospital’s rate is 10.98x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4800 South Croatan Highway, Nags Head, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,327

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,676

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: $2,327 (955%)

Insurance Median: $2,676 (1098%)

Cash: $2,327 (955% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,676 (1098% 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 1098% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 998%). 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	$1,288 - $2,548	528%
Carolina Complete Health [1317]	$1,355	556%
Wellcare [1320]	$1,362	559%
Amerihealth McAid Adv [1316]	$1,369	562%
Liberty Advantage [1313]	$1,529	627%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,567 - $2,440	643%
Humana	$1,579	648%
Aetna	$1,615 - $3,254	663%
Longevity Health [1411]	$1,891	776%
Nc Dept of Public Safety [1095]	$2,618	1074%
Medcost [1067]	$2,676 - $2,801	1098%
Cigna	$3,533 - $3,948	1449%
Multiplan [1031]	$3,948	1620%

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 $2,327.
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 The Outer Banks Hospital, Inc 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.