CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: El Centro Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $1,860
  • Cash Discount Price: $2,913
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 17.41x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at El Centro Regional Medical Center is $1,860. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,913. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 17.41x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1415 Ross Avenue, El Centro, CA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$2,913

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$1,860

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: $2,913 (2727%)
Insurance Median: $1,860 (1741%)
Cash: $2,913 (2727% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $1,860 (1741% 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 1741% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1641%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield $134 - $4,161 125%
Brand New Day Comm - All Other Plans $134 125%
Brand New Day Mcr $134 125%
Healthnet Mcr Adv $134 125%
Molina Mcr Adv $134 125%
Scp Managed Care - All Plans $134 125%
Tricare $134 125%
UnitedHealthcare $134 - $1,548 125%
Easy Choice Mcr Adv-All Plans $148 139%
Healthnet Hmo $168 157%
Cdcr Correctional-All Plans $174 163%
Blue Shield-All Plans $577 540%
Aetna $1,831 1714%
Pacificare-All Plans $1,890 1769%
Mulitplan Primary - All Other Plans $2,829 2649%
Cigna $3,121 2922%
Multiplan Comp $3,329 3117%
Trident - All Plans $3,537 3311%
Healthnet Comm-All Other Plans $3,745 3506%
Humana $3,870 3623%
Ahccs/Medi-Cal Misc - All Plans $4,161 3896%
Brand New Day Mcal $4,161 3896%
Medi-Cal $4,161 3896%
Molina Exchange - All Other Plans $4,161 3896%
Ambetter / Centene $4,286 4013%
Molina Mcal $4,577 4285%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 1415 Ross Avenue, El Centro, CA 92243
  • CMS Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - Local
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals