CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: University Hospital and Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $4,897
Cash Discount Price: $19,708
vs. Medicare Baseline: 45.85x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at University Hospital and Medical Center is $4,897. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $19,708. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 45.85x the Medicare baseline. Located in 7201 N University Dr, Tamarac, FL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$19,708

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$4,897

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: $19,708 (18451%)

Insurance Median: $4,897 (4585%)

Cash: $19,708 (18451% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $4,897 (4585% 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 4585% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 4485%). 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
United	$245 - $8,868	229%
Aetna	$769 - $5,912	720%
Avmed	$890 - $9,854	833%
Freedom Health	$1,695 - $3,153	1587%
Optimum	$1,695	1587%
Corvel Corporation	$2,540	2378%
Simply Healthcare Plans	$2,562	2399%
Careworks (Rockport)	$2,593	2428%
Prime Health	$2,593	2428%
Molina	$3,744 - $5,321	3505%
Health Sun Health Plan	$4,198	3930%
Mmm Of Fl (Health Advantage Plan)	$4,533	4244%
United Ppo	$4,671	4373%
Sunshine State Health Plan	$5,203	4871%
Plotkin Health	$9,854	9226%
Prime Health Sherriff	$9,854	9226%
Medica Healthcare	$11,430	10701%
Multiplan	$14,781 - $16,752	13839%
Evernorth Bh	$15,766	14761%

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 $19,708.
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 University Hospital and 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.