CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: University of Alabama Hospital

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $1,471
  • Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 13.77x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at University of Alabama Hospital is $1,471. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is unavailable. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 13.77x the Medicare baseline. Located in 619 South 19Th Street, Birmingham, AL.
Cash / Self-Pay
Unavailable

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$1,471

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate
$106.81

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $106.81 (100%)
Insurance Median: $1,471 (1377%)
Ins. Median: $1,471 (1377% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $106.81 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 1377% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1277%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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 $88 - $1,563 82%
Birmingham Fc $95 89%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $95 89%
Cooper Green $95 89%
Davita Villagehealth $95 89%
Jefferson County Sheriff $95 89%
Triwest $95 89%
UnitedHealthcare $95 - $1,000 89%
Viva $96 - $150 90%
Cigna $102 - $1,232 95%
Ambetter / Centene $131 123%
University Of Alabama $920 861%
Aetna $1,122 1050%
Coventry $1,195 - $1,485 1119%
North Alabama Managed Care $1,195 1119%
Comp One $1,324 1240%
Construction Claims Management $1,376 1288%
Alamed $1,379 1291%
Corvel $1,471 1377%
Evolutions $1,471 - $1,655 1377%
Healthcare Alliance $1,471 1377%
Novanet $1,471 - $1,655 1377%
Prime Health Services $1,471 - $1,655 1377%
Select Value Care $1,471 1377%
Starcare $1,471 1377%
Tethys $1,471 1377%
Multiplan $1,508 1412%
Department Of Labor $1,563 1463%
Geha $1,563 1463%
Gulf Health Plans $1,563 1463%
Heritage Summit Health $1,563 1463%
Mississippi Physicians $1,563 1463%
Phifer $1,563 1463%
Preferred Health Partnership $1,563 1463%
Southern Nuclear $1,563 1463%
Vantage Health Plan $1,563 1463%
Galaxy Health Network $1,655 1549%
National Provider Network $1,655 1549%
North Mississippi Health Link $1,655 1549%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 619 South 19Th Street, Birmingham, AL 35233
  • CMS Rating: ★★☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - State
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals