CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Pocahontas Community Hospital

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $1,573
Cash Discount Price: $1,656
vs. Medicare Baseline: 14.73x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Pocahontas Community Hospital is $1,573. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,656. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 14.73x the Medicare baseline. Located in 606 N W 7Th Street, Pocahontas, IA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,656

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,573

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: $1,656 (1550%)

Insurance Median: $1,573 (1473%)

Cash: $1,656 (1550% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,573 (1473% 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 1473% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1373%). 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
Molina	$894 - $1,656	837%
Wellpoint	$894 - $1,656	837%
Iowa Total Care	$921 - $1,656	862%
Aetna	$994 - $1,656	931%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,391 - $1,656	1302%
Health Partners	$1,563 - $1,573	1463%
Humana	$1,573 - $1,656	1473%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,590	1489%
Cigna	$1,606	1504%
Great West	$1,606	1504%

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 $1,656.
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 Pocahontas Community 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.