CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport-St Mary Medical Cent

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $246
Cash Discount Price: $342
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.30x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport-St Mary Medical Cent is $246. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $342. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 2.30x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1 St Mary Place, Shreveport, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$342

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$246

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: $342 (320%)

Insurance Median: $246 (230%)

Cash: $342 (320% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $246 (230% 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 230% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 130%). 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	$95 - $246	89%
(Healthy Louisiana) And Healthy Blue Dual Advantage (Hmo-D-Snp)	$98	92%
Aetna	$98 - $686	92%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$98 - $438	92%
Medicare (plans)	$98	92%
UnitedHealthcare	$98 - $833	92%
Vantage Health Plan - Commercial	$108	101%
Zelis	$170	159%
Healthcomp Ppo (Formerly Gilsbar 360	$245	229%
Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana (Healthy Louisiana)	$246	230%
Healthy Blue (Formerly Amerigroup Louisiana Inc.)	$246	230%
Louisiana Healthcare Connections (Healthy Louisiana)	$246	230%
Verity Health Network – Lsu First Choice	$399	374%
Cigna	$595	557%
First Health Network	$686	642%
Multiplan/Phcs/American Lifecare	$855	800%

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 $342.
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 Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport-St Mary Medical Cent 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.