CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Chatuge Regional Hospital

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $875
Cash Discount Price: $827
vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.19x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Chatuge Regional Hospital is $875. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $827. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 8.19x the Medicare baseline. Located in 110 S Main Street, Hiawassee, GA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$827

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$875

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: $827 (774%)

Insurance Median: $875 (819%)

Cash: $827 (774% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $875 (819% 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 819% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 719%). 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	$364 - $1,239	341%
Aetna	$513 - $1,406	480%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$579 - $1,200	542%
Cigna	$579 - $1,158	542%
Humana	$579	542%
Amerigroup Community Care	$842	788%
Wellcare	$867	812%
Caresource Network Partners, Llc.	$884	828%
Alliant Health Plan	$1,158	1084%

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 $827.
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 Chatuge Regional 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.