CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Frye Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $355
  • Cash Discount Price: $2,246
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.32x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Frye Regional Medical Center is $355. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,246. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 3.32x the Medicare baseline. Located in 420 N Center St, Hickory, NC.
Cash / Self-Pay
$2,246

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$355

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: $2,246 (2103%)
Insurance Median: $355 (332%)
Cash: $2,246 (2103% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $355 (332% 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 332% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 232%). 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
Veteran Family Member Program $99 93%
Humana $100 94%
UnitedHealthcare $101 - $566 95%
Aetna $102 - $273 95%
Cigna $253 237%
Ambetter / Centene $350 328%
Meritain Health $355 332%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $399 - $555 374%
Amerihealth Caritas North Carolina $566 530%
Partners Health Management $566 530%
Wellcare Of North Carolina, Inc $572 536%
Vaya Health $611 572%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 420 N Center St, Hickory, NC 28601
  • CMS Rating: ★★☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Proprietary
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals