CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: High Point Regional Health System

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $813
Cash Discount Price: $967
vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.61x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at High Point Regional Health System is $813. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $967. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 7.61x the Medicare baseline. Located in 601 N Elm St, High Point, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$967

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$813

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: $967 (905%)

Insurance Median: $813 (761%)

Cash: $967 (905% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $813 (761% 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 761% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 661%). 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
Amerihealth	$280 - $627	262%
Carolina Complete	$280	262%
Healthy Blue	$280	262%
Partners	$280	262%
UnitedHealthcare	$283 - $4,079	265%
Vaya	$283	265%
Wellcare	$283	265%
Alliance	$286	268%
Trillium	$289	271%
Medcost	$518 - $1,239	485%
Aetna	$576 - $1,256	539%
Oscar	$580 - $773	543%
Ambetter / Centene	$619	580%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$655 - $1,051	613%
Cigna	$1,061	993%
Directnet	$1,142	1069%
Private Healthcare Systems	$1,585	1484%
Multiplan	$1,740	1629%
Humana	$1,798 - $1,836	1683%

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 $967.
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 High Point Regional Health System 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.