CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Berkshire Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $1,177
  • Cash Discount Price: $1,979
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 11.02x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Berkshire Medical Center is $1,177. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,979. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 11.02x the Medicare baseline. Located in 725 North Street, Pittsfield, MA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$1,979

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$1,177

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: $1,979 (1853%)
Insurance Median: $1,177 (1102%)
Cash: $1,979 (1853% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $1,177 (1102% 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 1102% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1002%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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
Fallon $88 - $916 82%
Cdphp $90 - $1,875 84%
Health New England $90 - $1,452 84%
Mbhp $90 84%
Mcd Out Of State $90 - $104 84%
Medicaid / KanCare $90 - $104 84%
Comm Tufts Qhpsub (Network) $115 - $1,177 108%
Point32Health $115 - $1,979 108%
Bmchnp $117 - $120 110%
Other Government $127 - $135 119%
Medicare (plans) $132 - $133 124%
Hospice $134 - $135 125%
UnitedHealthcare $134 - $1,791 125%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $139 - $1,770 130%
Commcare Alliance $139 - $158 130%
Aetna $159 - $1,573 149%
Comm Hne Hmo $253 - $1,372 237%
Comm Hne Ppo $269 - $1,458 252%
Workers Comp $284 - $1,263 266%
Unicare $392 - $1,351 367%
Allways Nhp $921 - $1,348 862%
Beacon $1,210 - $1,875 1133%
Cigna $1,281 - $1,937 1199%
Mvp $1,281 - $1,875 1199%
Oxford $1,281 - $1,875 1199%
First Health $1,324 - $1,979 1240%
Connecticare $1,352 - $1,979 1266%
Consolidated Health Plans $1,352 - $1,979 1266%
Other Commercial $1,352 - $1,979 1266%
Phcs $1,352 - $1,979 1266%
Self Pay $1,352 - $1,979 1266%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 725 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Other
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals