CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: USA Health University Hospital

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $477
Cash Discount Price: $860
vs. Medicare Baseline: 4.47x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at USA Health University Hospital is $477. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $860. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 4.47x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2451 Fillingim Street, Mobile, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$860

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$477

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%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $860 (805%)

Insurance Median: $477 (447%)

Cash: $860 (805% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $477 (447% 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 447% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 347%). 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
Central Healthcare Services	$74 - $1,323	69%
Magnolia Health	$81	76%
Truecare	$81	76%
UnitedHealthcare	$81 - $1,429	76%
Molina Chip	$90	84%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$127	119%
Aetna	$130 - $500	122%
Cigna	$130 - $1,260	122%
Devoted Health	$130 - $1,852	122%
Humana	$130 - $1,720	122%
Viva Health	$130 - $1,323	122%
Wellcare	$130	122%
Molina Marketplace	$143	134%
Ambetter / Centene	$156	146%
Mississippi Physicians Care Network (Mpcn)	$175	164%
Multiplan	$559 - $2,381	523%
Naphcare	$602 - $1,852	564%
Novanet	$774 - $2,381	725%

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 $860.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 72131.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm USA Health University Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 72131.
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.