CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Sanford Bagley Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $2,084
Cash Discount Price: $1,997
vs. Medicare Baseline: 19.51x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Sanford Bagley Medical Center is $2,084. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,997. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 19.51x the Medicare baseline. Located in 203 4Th Street Northwest, Bagley, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,997

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$2,084

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: $1,997 (1870%)

Insurance Median: $2,084 (1951%)

Cash: $1,997 (1870% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $2,084 (1951% 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 1951% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1851%). 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
Ucare	$112 - $2,193	105%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$353 - $1,233	330%
Sanford Health Plan Align	$1,138	1065%
Health Partners	$1,233 - $2,022	1154%
Medicare (plans)	$1,233	1154%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,233 - $2,084	1154%
Primewest	$1,258 - $1,345	1178%
Aetna	$1,338 - $2,169	1253%
Security Health Plan	$1,373	1285%
Sanford Health Plan	$1,970 - $2,318	1844%
Medica	$2,194 - $2,361	2054%
Cigna	$2,246	2103%
First Choice Health Network	$2,246	2103%
Healthez	$2,246	2103%
Multiplan	$2,246	2103%

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 $1,997.
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 Sanford Bagley 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.