CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $1,716
Cash Discount Price: $1,839
vs. Medicare Baseline: 16.07x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System is $1,716. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,839. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 16.07x the Medicare baseline. Located in 995 9Th Avenue Southwest, Bessemer, AL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,839

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,716

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: $1,839 (1722%)

Insurance Median: $1,716 (1607%)

Cash: $1,839 (1722% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,716 (1607% 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 1607% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1507%). 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	$95	89%
Aetna	$96 - $1,716	90%
Cooper Green	$96	90%
Jefferson County Sheriff	$96	90%
Triwest	$96	90%
United Mine Workers	$96	90%
UnitedHealthcare	$96 - $902	90%
Cigna	$99 - $1,773	93%
Humana	$101 - $2,084	95%
Viva	$110 - $1,226	103%
Ambetter / Centene	$131	123%
Phcs	$1,471 - $1,716	1377%
Beech Street	$1,520 - $1,716	1423%
One Health Plan	$1,594	1492%
Geha	$1,716	1607%
Healthchoice	$1,716	1607%
Alamed	$1,920	1798%
Construction Claims Management	$1,984	1858%
Multiplan	$2,011	1883%
Corvel	$2,027 - $2,207	1898%
Novanet	$2,047	1916%
Department Of Labor	$2,133	1997%
Heritage Summit Health	$2,133	1997%
Pnoa	$2,207	2066%
Three Rivers	$2,207	2066%

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 $1,839.
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 Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System 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.