CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Mercy Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $2,287
Cash Discount Price: $762
vs. Medicare Baseline: 21.41x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Mercy Regional Medical Center is $2,287. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $762. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 21.41x the Medicare baseline. Located in 800 E Main, Ville Platte, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$762

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,287

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: $762 (713%)

Insurance Median: $2,287 (2141%)

Cash: $762 (713% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,287 (2141% 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 2141% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2041%). 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
Pp0/Manged Care	$80 - $2,541	75%
Ppo/Manged Care	$80 - $2,541	75%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$216	202%
Aetna	$307	287%
Mcd Hmo Amerigroup	$307	287%
Mcd Hmo La Care	$307	287%
Mcd Hmo La Hlth Cr Connct	$307	287%
Medicaid / KanCare	$307 - $2,541	287%
UnitedHealthcare	$310	290%
Mcd Hmo Com Hlth Solution	$338	316%
Charity/Map	$762 - $2,541	713%
American Postal Workers	$2,033	1903%
Work Comp	$2,287	2141%
Commerical	$2,541	2379%
Commerical Ip	$2,541	2379%
Mcr American Hlth Adv	$2,541	2379%
Medicare (plans)	$2,541	2379%
Mra Auto/Liability	$2,541	2379%
Tricare	$2,541	2379%

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 $762.
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 Mercy 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.