CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Mercyone North Iowa Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $227
  • Cash Discount Price: $1,571
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.13x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Mercyone North Iowa Medical Center is $227. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,571. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 2.13x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1000 Fourth Street Sw, Mason City, IA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$1,571

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$227

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: $1,571 (1471%)
Insurance Median: $227 (213%)
Cash: $1,571 (1471% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $227 (213% 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 213% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 113%). 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
Iowa Total Care $101 95%
Medicaid / KanCare $102 - $103 95%
Bcn Domestic $107 100%
Blue Benefit Administrators Of Massachusetts $107 100%
Blue Care Network $107 100%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $107 - $112 100%
Blue Distinction Transplant $107 100%
Blue Shield - Ca $107 100%
Blue Shield - Id (Regence) $107 100%
Blue Shield - Ny Highmark Northeastern $107 100%
Blue Shield - Ny Highmark Western $107 100%
Blue Shield - Pa (Highmark) $107 100%
Blue Shield - Wa (Regence) $107 100%
Kaiser Domestic $107 100%
Pre-Employment $107 100%
Wc Domestic $107 100%
Aetna $110 - $1,269 103%
Medicare (plans) $110 - $115 103%
UnitedHealthcare $113 - $2,417 106%
Centivo $139 130%
Oscar $149 140%
Amish Hospital Aid $150 140%
Ambetter / Centene $189 177%
Claimdoc $226 212%
Nova $226 212%
Geha $240 225%
Health Choices $619 580%
Medical Associates $619 580%
1199 National Benefit Fund $1,269 1188%
Allied Benefit Systems $1,269 1188%
Asr Health Benefits $1,269 1188%
Christian Brother Services $1,269 1188%
Coventry $1,269 1188%
First Health $1,269 1188%
Lucent Health $1,269 1188%
Luminare Health $1,269 1188%
Medical Mutual $1,269 1188%
Meritain $1,269 1188%
Trustmark Small Business Benefits $1,269 1188%
Webtpa $1,269 1188%
Preferred One $1,571 1471%
Health Partners $1,617 1514%
Auxiant $1,692 1584%
Cigna $1,692 1584%
Medica $1,692 1584%
Midlands $1,692 1584%
Midlands Choice $1,692 1584%
Mhnet $1,934 1811%
Multiplan $2,175 2036%
Crime Victim Assistance $2,417 2263%
Iowa Dept Of Public Health $2,417 2263%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 1000 Fourth Street Sw, Mason City, IA 50401
  • CMS Rating: ★★☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals