CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Wilkes Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $768
  • Cash Discount Price: $753
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 7.19x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Wilkes Regional Medical Center is $768. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $753. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 7.19x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1370 West D St, North Wilkesboro, NC.
Cash / Self-Pay
$753

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$768

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: $753 (705%)
Insurance Median: $768 (719%)
Cash: $753 (705% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $768 (719% 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 719% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 619%). 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.

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
Healthteam $105 98%
Amerihealth $282 - $874 264%
Carolina Complete $282 264%
Healthblue $282 264%
Partners $282 264%
UnitedHealthcare $284 - $804 266%
Vaya $284 266%
Wellcare $284 266%
Alliance $287 269%
Trillium $290 272%
Medcost $433 - $1,075 405%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $523 - $878 490%
Aetna $572 - $1,034 536%
Ambetter / Centene $637 - $917 596%
Cigna $789 - $816 739%
Oscar $828 - $978 775%
Directnet $889 832%
Private Healthcare Systems $1,354 1268%
Multiplan $1,385 1297%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 1370 West D St, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
  • CMS Rating: ★★★☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Government - Local
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals