CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: North Carolina Baptist Hospital

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $424
  • Cash Discount Price: $634
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.97x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at North Carolina Baptist Hospital is $424. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $634. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 3.97x the Medicare baseline. Located in Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC.
Cash / Self-Pay
$634

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$424

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: $634 (594%)
Insurance Median: $424 (397%)
Cash: $634 (594% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $424 (397% 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 397% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 297%). 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
Aetna $103 - $1,107 96%
Apex $103 96%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $103 - $478 96%
Cigna $103 - $1,047 96%
Devoted $103 96%
Healthteam $103 96%
UnitedHealthcare $103 - $1,178 96%
Wellcare $103 - $298 96%
Humana $104 - $712 97%
Medicare (plans) $104 97%
Liberty $118 110%
Medcost $244 - $866 228%
Amerihealth $279 - $351 261%
Carolina Complete $279 - $294 261%
Health Blue $279 - $294 261%
Partners $279 - $294 261%
Vaya $282 - $297 264%
Alliance $284 - $300 266%
Trillium $287 - $303 269%
Ambetter / Centene $333 - $352 312%
Oscar $370 - $469 346%
Directnet $729 - $769 683%
Cone Health $864 - $911 809%
Healthgram $864 - $911 809%
First Carolina Care $987 - $1,042 924%
Private Healthcare Systems $1,012 - $1,068 947%
Multiplan $1,111 - $1,172 1040%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals