CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: New Ulm Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $670
  • Cash Discount Price: $613
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 6.27x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at New Ulm Medical Center is $670. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $613. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 6.27x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1324 Fifth North Street, New Ulm, MN.
Cash / Self-Pay
$613

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$670

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: $613 (574%)
Insurance Median: $670 (627%)
Cash: $613 (574% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $670 (627% 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 627% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 527%). 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.

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Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group Contract Rate Range vs. Medicare Reference
Health Partners $97 - $244 91%
Medicaid / KanCare $100 - $681 94%
Aetna $102 - $1,212 95%
Medicare (plans) $108 - $628 101%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $113 - $815 106%
Medica $113 - $947 106%
Hennepin Health $114 107%
UnitedHealthcare $125 - $1,366 117%
Ucare Pmap (A B C D E G N O S U R H) $181 - $286 169%
Medica Health System $200 - $1,036 187%
Cigna $266 - $1,161 249%
Bc Aware/Blue Plus (Nr) $517 484%
Americas Ppo (Araz)(A M U) $602 564%
Medica Ubh (A) $630 - $756 590%
Medica Dual Solutions (A U) $654 612%
South Country Health Alliance $702 - $736 657%
Medica Ubh Pmap $720 - $1,135 674%
First Health (A C E G H U B D N O R S) $756 - $1,192 708%
Medica Mhps $984 921%
Medica Ubh (N) $993 - $1,192 930%
Americas Ppo (Araz)(B D N O R S V) $1,095 1025%
Americas Ppo (Araz) (B D N H O R S) $1,192 1116%
All Other Contracted Care (A B C D E G H N O R S U) $1,419 1329%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 1324 Fifth North Street, New Ulm, MN 56073
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★★
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Critical Access Hospitals