CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Rapides Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $4,526
Cash Discount Price: $10,406
vs. Medicare Baseline: 42.37x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Rapides Regional Medical Center is $4,526. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $10,406. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 42.37x the Medicare baseline. Located in 211 4Th Street, Alexandria, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$10,406

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$4,526

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: $10,406 (9743%)

Insurance Median: $4,526 (4237%)

Cash: $10,406 (9743% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $4,526 (4237% 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 4237% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 4137%). 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
Humana	$105 - $7,804	98%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$242	227%
United	$245 - $2,331	229%
Cigna	$1,672	1565%
Aetna	$1,953	1828%
Verity	$3,122	2923%
Ppo Plus	$3,954	3702%
Louisiana Workers Compensation Corporation	$5,099	4774%
Gilsbar 360	$5,515	5163%
Multiplan	$5,640 - $6,046	5280%
Dma Regional Ppo	$7,284	6820%
Employers Health Network	$7,284	6820%
First Health	$7,284	6820%
Healthsouth Corporation	$7,284	6820%
Plan Vista Solutions (Nppn)	$8,116	7599%
Bestcomp	$8,429	7892%

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 $10,406.
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 Rapides Regional Medical Center 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.