CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)
Facility: Labette Health
Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 72131
- Insurance Median: $98
- Cash Discount Price: $1,610
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.92x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid / KanCare | $61 - $98 | 57% |
| Healthy Blue | $61 - $93 | 57% |
| Humana | $98 | 92% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $98 - $480 | 92% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $98 - $2,001 | 92% |
| Wellcare | $98 | 92% |
| Kansas Superior Select | $101 | 95% |
| Ambetter / Centene | $113 | 106% |
| Uhccp | $125 - $250 | 117% |
| Montgomery County | $180 | 169% |
| Multiplan | $1,955 | 1830% |
| Health Partners Of Kansas, Inc | $2,070 | 1938% |
| Choicecare (First Health Network) | $2,070 | 1938% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a CT scan of the lower back at Labette Health in Parsons, Kansas, the facility's cash price is $1,610, which is lower than the state average for this procedure. While commercial insurance plans like UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield have negotiated rates ranging from $98 to $2,001, these amounts often exceed the cash price due to administrative costs and contract structures. Patients with high-deductible plans may find it financially advantageous to pay the cash rate directly, as the insurance negotiated rate could be significantly higher than the out-of-pocket cost. To ensure you receive the best possible rate, it is recommended to ask the billing department specifically about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts before scheduling your appointment, as these upfront payment incentives can further reduce the final amount owed.
When reviewing your final invoice, it is critical to request a detailed, itemized bill rather than accepting a summary statement that groups charges into broad categories. This audit process helps identify errors such as unbundled codes or services not rendered, which are common in over 80% of hospital bills and can lead to significant overcharges. Additionally, your commercial rates should be evaluated against the Medicare benchmark of $106.81 for this service, as this federal rate represents the true cost of care and serves as a reliable baseline for determining if commercial pricing is appropriately marked up. If you receive a balance bill for the difference between the provider's full charge and your insurance allowed amount, you may be eligible for protections under the No Surprises Act, particularly if the service was provided at an in-network facility.