CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: College Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $134
Cash Discount Price: $1,192
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.25x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at College Medical Center is $134. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,192. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 1.25x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2776 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,192

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$134

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: $1,192 (1116%)

Insurance Median: $134 (125%)

Cash: $1,192 (1116% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $134 (125% 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.

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
Davita Healthplan	$90 - $360	84%
Healthcare Partners	$90 - $360	84%
Value Options	$90 - $1,500	84%
Accountable Healthcare Ipa	$107 - $134	100%
Blue Shield	$107 - $2,100	100%
Imperial Health Plan	$107	100%
Kaiser	$108 - $1,800	101%
Health Net	$117 - $1,950	110%
Benevolence Healthcare	$124 - $134	116%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$124 - $2,969	116%
Brand New Day	$124 - $134	116%
Care First	$124 - $134	116%
Heritage Provider Network	$124 - $187	116%
La Care	$124 - $149	116%
Molina Healthcare	$124 - $134	116%
Synermed	$124 - $187	116%
Aetna	$134 - $515	125%
Altamed	$134	125%
Caremore	$134	125%
Central Health Plan	$134	125%
Easy Choice	$134	125%
Prospect	$134	125%
Cigna	$145	136%
Multiplan	$153 - $2,550	143%
Three Rivers Provider Network	$181	169%

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 $1,192.
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 College 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.