CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)
Facility: Ascension Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital Inc
Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 72131
- Insurance Median: $100
- Cash Discount Price: Unavailable
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 0.94x 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vc Hope | $98 | 92% |
| Va | $98 | 92% |
| Humana | $98 | 92% |
| Medicare (plans) | $98 - $100 | 92% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $100 - $275 | 94% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $100 | 94% |
| Smarthealth | $138 | 129% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $167 | 156% |
| Aetna | $172 - $720 | 161% |
| Cigna | $236 | 221% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the CPT code 72131 (CT scan, lower back), the negotiated rates at Ascension Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital Inc range from $98 to $275 across ten payers, with a median negotiated amount of $100.00. This facility is located in Wichita, Kansas, and its pricing aligns closely with the state average, as the median negotiated rate is identical to the reported state median of $100.00. While the facility's rates are competitive compared to the broader Kansas market, patients should note that cash-pay options are not listed in the current data. However, for individuals with high-deductible plans, paying cash upfront can sometimes be more cost-effective if the insurance negotiated rate exceeds the cash price, though specific cash rates are not available for this service.
Patients should be aware that commercial insurance rates often include administrative overhead, which can inflate the baseline price by 20% to 40% compared to the true cost of care. In this case, the Medicare benchmark rate for this procedure is $106.81, providing a clear baseline for evaluating the facility's pricing structure. Although the facility is a Part A provider, patients should verify their specific plan details, as some in-network hospitals may charge significantly higher rates than others. To ensure the lowest possible cost, patients are encouraged to contact the hospital directly to inquire about "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts, which can offer immediate fee reductions for upfront payments. Additionally, if any balance billing occurs, patients should review their rights under the No Surprises Act and request a formal itemized audit to identify any unbundled codes or services not rendered.