CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Columbus Regional Healthcare System

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $1,321
  • Cash Discount Price: $1,557
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.37x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Columbus Regional Healthcare System is $1,321. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,557. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 12.37x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 Jefferson St, Whiteville, NC.
Cash / Self-Pay
$1,557

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$1,321

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: $1,557 (1458%)
Insurance Median: $1,321 (1237%)
Cash: $1,557 (1458% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $1,321 (1237% 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 1237% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1137%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield $100 - $1,428 94%
Troy $100 94%
UnitedHealthcare $100 - $1,512 94%
Va Communicare Care $100 94%
Wellcare $100 - $497 94%
Vaya Health $101 95%
Liberty $102 95%
Aetna $103 - $2,157 96%
Humana $103 96%
Devoted Health $104 97%
Cigna $105 - $2,113 98%
Molina $355 - $571 332%
Alliance $497 465%
Amerihealth $497 465%
Apex Health $497 465%
Cardinal $497 465%
Carolina Complete Health $497 465%
Healthy Blue $497 465%
Partners $497 465%
Sandhills $497 465%
Trillium $497 465%
Queens University $1,223 1145%
Ambetter / Centene $1,294 - $1,506 1211%
Oscar $1,446 - $1,624 1354%
Employers Health Network $1,475 - $1,648 1381%
Quicktrip $1,779 1666%
Multiplan $2,002 - $2,113 1874%
Choicecare $2,113 1978%
Healthgram $2,113 1978%
Medcost $2,113 1978%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 500 Jefferson St, Whiteville, NC 28472
  • CMS Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Other
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals