CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $3,084
Cash Discount Price: $3,084
vs. Medicare Baseline: 28.87x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Northwestern Memorial Hospital is $3,084. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,084. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 28.87x the Medicare baseline. Located in 251 E Huron St, Chicago, IL.

Cash / Self-Pay

$3,084

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$3,084

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: $3,084 (2887%)

Insurance Median: $3,084 (2887%)

Cash: $3,084 (2887% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $3,084 (2887% 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 2887% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2787%). 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
Aetna	$855 - $4,405	800%
Curaechoice [6100]	$1,031	965%
Imagine Health [6032]	$1,189	1113%
Humana	$1,762 - $2,202	1650%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,982 - $4,405	1856%
Healthlink [125]	$2,202 - $4,405	2062%
Global Medical Management Inc [6090]	$2,555	2392%
Health'S Finest Network [126]	$2,863 - $3,744	2680%
Medpartners [6038]	$3,084	2887%
Cigna	$3,524 - $4,405	3299%
Multiplan/Phcs [142]	$3,524 - $4,405	3299%
First Health Plan [6034]	$4,405	4124%
Galaxy Health Network [220]	$4,405	4124%
UnitedHealthcare	$4,405	4124%

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 $3,084.
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 Northwestern Memorial 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.