CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Mainehealth Mid Coast Hospital

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $147
Cash Discount Price: $2,649
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.38x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Mainehealth Mid Coast Hospital is $147. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,649. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 1.38x the Medicare baseline. Located in 123 Medical Center Drive, Brunswick, ME.

Cash / Self-Pay

$2,649

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$147

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: $2,649 (2480%)

Insurance Median: $147 (138%)

Cash: $2,649 (2480% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $147 (138% 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.

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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$45 - $371	42%
UnitedHealthcare	$45 - $2,501	42%
Aetna	$46 - $2,238	43%
Humana	$52 - $147	49%
Wellcare	$52 - $147	49%
Multiplan	$88 - $2,490	82%
Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare	$90 - $2,134	84%
Community Health Options	$95 - $2,493	89%
Cigna	$681 - $2,141	638%

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 $2,649.
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 Mainehealth Mid Coast Hospital 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.