CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, lower back

Facility: Buffalo Hospital

Billing Code: 72110 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72110
Insurance Median: $184
Cash Discount Price: $139
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.72x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, lower back at Buffalo Hospital is $184. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $139. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 1.72x the Medicare baseline. Located in 303 Catlin Street, Buffalo, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$139

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$184

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: $139 (130%)

Insurance Median: $184 (172%)

Cash: $139 (130% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $184 (172% 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
Ucare Pmap (A B C D E G N O S U R H)	$50	47%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$70 - $268	66%
Medicaid / KanCare	$100	94%
Aetna	$102 - $148	95%
South Country Health Alliance	$103	96%
Medicare (plans)	$108	101%
Medica	$112 - $296	105%
Medica Health System	$164 - $312	154%
Healthpartners	$168	157%
Health Partners	$184 - $266	172%
Americas Ppo (Araz)(B D N O R S V)	$192	180%
Medica Ub Health (B)	$199	186%
Americas Ppo (Araz) (B D N H O R S)	$209	196%
First Health (A C E G H U B D N O R S)	$209	196%
All Other Contracted Care (A B C D E G H N O R S U)	$249	233%
Medica Mhps	$296	277%
UnitedHealthcare	$336	315%

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 $139.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 72110.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Buffalo Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 72110.
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.