CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Barstow Community Hospital

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $4,605
  • Cash Discount Price: $5,698
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 43.11x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Barstow Community Hospital is $4,605. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $5,698. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 43.11x the Medicare baseline. Located in 820 E Mountain View Street, Barstow, CA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$5,698

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$4,605

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: $5,698 (5335%)
Insurance Median: $4,605 (4311%)
Cash: $5,698 (5335% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $4,605 (4311% 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 4311% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 4211%). 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 Shield Epn $230 215%
Medi-Cal $232 217%
UnitedHealthcare $1,034 968%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $1,144 1071%
Blue Shield-All Other Plans $3,512 3288%
Cigna $5,698 5335%
Multiplan Primary Network-All Other Plans $5,698 5335%
Multiplan Complementary Network $6,173 5779%
Humana $6,647 6223%
Healthnet-All Plans $7,597 7113%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 820 E Mountain View Street, Barstow, CA 92311
  • CMS Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Proprietary
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals