CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Ventura County Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $290
  • Cash Discount Price: $2,170
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.72x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Ventura County Medical Center is $290. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,170. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 2.72x the Medicare baseline. Located in 300 Hillmont Avenue, Ventura, CA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$2,170

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$290

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: $2,170 (2032%)
Insurance Median: $290 (272%)
Cash: $2,170 (2032% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $290 (272% 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 272% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 172%). 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
Tricare $130 122%
Alignment Hp - All Plans $134 125%
Blue Shield Mcr Adv $134 125%
Humana $134 125%
UnitedHealthcare $138 - $2,375 129%
Healthnet Mcr Adv $141 132%
Clinicas Mcr Adv $153 143%
Americas Hp Mcr Adv Ip/Op Only $155 145%
Scan-All Plans $161 151%
Western Growers-All Plans $168 157%
Clinicas Comm - All Other Plans $175 164%
Imperial-All Plans $175 164%
Ntwrk Provdrs-All Plans $175 164%
Americas Hp Comm Ip/Op Only-All Other Plans $202 189%
Hpn Ip/Op Only Medi-Cal $232 217%
Kaiser Medi-Cal Ip/Op Only $232 217%
Medi-Cal $232 217%
Kaiser Mcal Pediatric Ip/Op Only $255 239%
Clinicas Mcal $290 272%
Americas Hp Mcal Ip/Op Only $302 283%
Gold Coast Medi-Cal-All Plans $409 383%
Blue Shield Comm - All Other Plans $680 637%
Vchcp-All Plans $825 772%
Cigna $1,190 1114%
Blue Shield Epn $1,684 1577%
Healthnet Comm-All Other Plans $2,387 2235%
Kaiser Comm Pediatric Ip/Op Only $2,387 2235%
Aetna $2,517 - $4,340 2357%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $2,611 2445%
Multiplan/Claritev-All Plans $3,472 3251%
Three Rivers Ip/Op Only-All Plans $3,472 3251%
Ppo Next Ip/Op Only-All Plans $3,906 3657%
Kaiser Mcr Pediatric Ip/Op Only $4,340 4063%
Medicare (plans) $4,340 4063%
Hpn Comm Ip/Op Only-All Other Plans $6,163 5770%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 300 Hillmont Avenue, Ventura, CA 93003
  • CMS Rating: ★★☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - Local
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals