CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Doctors Hospital

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $258
  • Cash Discount Price: $9,962
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.42x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Doctors Hospital is $258. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $9,962. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 2.42x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3651 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$9,962

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$258

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: $9,962 (9327%)
Insurance Median: $258 (242%)
Cash: $9,962 (9327% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $258 (242% 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 242% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 142%). 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 Cross Blue Shield $68 - $258 64%
Ambetter / Centene $142 133%
Health One Alliance $148 139%
Aetna $205 - $5,492 192%
United $245 - $4,483 229%
Prime Health $267 250%
Rockport United Network $273 256%
Identity Mco $279 261%
Blue Choice $383 359%
Amerigroup $1,415 1325%
Absolute Total Care $1,793 1679%
Nhc Advantage $1,893 1772%
Pruitt Health $1,893 1772%
Peach State $1,992 1865%
Wellcare $1,992 1865%
Americas 1St Choice $2,789 2611%
Medcost $4,991 - $6,366 4673%
Multiplan $5,977 - $8,966 5596%
Performax $6,774 6342%
First Health $7,471 6995%
Employer'S Health Network $7,969 7461%
Novanet $8,966 8394%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 3651 Wheeler Road, Augusta, GA 30909
  • CMS Rating: ★★★☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Proprietary
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals