CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: University McDuffie County Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $900
Cash Discount Price: $703
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.43x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at University McDuffie County Regional Medical Center is $900. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $703. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 8.43x the Medicare baseline. Located in 2460 Washington Road, Thomson, GA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$703

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$900

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: $703 (658%)

Insurance Median: $900 (843%)

Cash: $703 (658% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $900 (843% 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 843% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 743%). 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
UnitedHealthcare	$262	245%
Medicaid / KanCare	$378 - $397	354%
Cigna	$567	531%
Alliant Health Plans Of Georgia [10952]	$867	812%
Alliant Solocare [11101]	$867	812%
Medcost [10966]	$934	874%
Multiplan [10600]	$1,031	965%
Phcs [10601]	$1,031	965%
Industry Buying Group [10840]	$1,523	1426%
Aetna	$1,933	1810%
First Health [10303]	$1,992	1865%
Kaiser [10500]	$1,992	1865%
Novanet [10819]	$2,109	1975%

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 $703.
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 McDuffie County Regional 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.