CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $2,010
Cash Discount Price: $2,412
vs. Medicare Baseline: 18.82x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center is $2,010. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,412. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 18.82x the Medicare baseline. Located in 751 Medical Center Court, Chula Vista, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,412

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,010

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: $2,412 (2258%)

Insurance Median: $2,010 (1882%)

Cash: $2,412 (2258% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,010 (1882% 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 1882% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1782%). 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
Aetna	$450 - $2,412	421%
San Diego Pace	$482	451%
Blue Shield	$955 - $2,042	894%
Health Net	$955 - $2,573	894%
Community Health Group	$1,093 - $2,219	1023%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,093 - $2,155	1023%
Molina	$1,476 - $2,573	1382%
California Health And Wellness	$1,541 - $2,133	1443%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,624 - $2,412	1520%
Indian Health Council	$1,769	1656%
Epic Americas	$2,026	1897%
Allianz Global Assistance	$2,251	2107%
Managed Health Network	$2,412	2258%
Multiplan	$2,476	2318%
Medi-Cal	$2,573	2409%

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 $2,412.
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 Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center 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.