CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Astera Health

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $395
Cash Discount Price: $943
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.70x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Astera Health is $395. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $943. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 3.70x the Medicare baseline. Located in 421 11Th Street Nw, Wadena, MN.

Cash / Self-Pay

$943

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$395

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: $943 (883%)

Insurance Median: $395 (370%)

Cash: $943 (883% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $395 (370% 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 370% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 270%). 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
Blue Plus Pmap [40002]	$34 - $5,128	32%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$50 - $5,128	47%
Health Partners [10045]	$50 - $5,128	47%
Medica Nonpmap [10056]	$50 - $181,374	47%
Primewest Non Pmap [30004]	$50 - $5,128	47%
Ucare Non Pmap [30007]	$50 - $5,385	47%
Ucare Pmap [30006]	$83 - $1,691	78%
Health Partners Pmap [10046]	$99 - $1,171	93%
Medica Pmap [10057]	$99 - $3,448	93%
Primewest Pmap [30003]	$99 - $3,448	93%
Sanford Health Plan [10120]	$190 - $1,979	178%
UnitedHealthcare	$238 - $1,800	223%
Ucare Commercial [10705]	$277 - $1,731	259%
Multiplan	$299 - $1,863	280%
Aetna	$336 - $2,095	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 $943.
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 Astera Health 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.