CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $138
Cash Discount Price: $2,973
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.29x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital is $138. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,973. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 1.29x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1680 East 120Th Street, Los Angeles, CA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,973

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$138

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: $2,973 (2783%)

Insurance Median: $138 (129%)

Cash: $2,973 (2783% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $138 (129% 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
Preferred Professional Medical Corporation (Ipa) Of California	$39 - $118	37%
UnitedHealthcare	$120	112%
Alta	$124 - $134	116%
Brand New Day	$124 - $9,388	116%
Care1St Health	$124 - $134	116%
Heritage Provider Network (Hpn)	$128	120%
Molina Healthcare	$131 - $168	123%
Health Net	$152 - $4,694	142%
La Care Health Pasc-Seui	$157	147%
La Care Health Plan	$157	147%
La Care Health	$224	210%
Santa Monica Unite Here	$497	465%
Blue Shield Of California	$6,415 - $7,103	6006%
Multiplan	$12,517	11719%

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 $2,973.
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 Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital 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.