CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $366
Cash Discount Price: $1,274
vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.43x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center is $366. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,274. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 3.43x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1 Medical Center Dr Po Box 139, Supply, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,274

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$366

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: $1,274 (1193%)

Insurance Median: $366 (343%)

Cash: $1,274 (1193% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $366 (343% 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 343% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 243%). 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
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$112 - $1,584	105%
Humana	$112 - $2,190	105%
Pace Of The Southern Piedmont	$112	105%
UnitedHealthcare	$112 - $1,561	105%
New Hanover Health Advantage	$114	107%
Aetna	$115 - $2,165	108%
Cigna	$116 - $1,414	109%
Liberty Health	$118	110%
Nc Department Of Public Safety	$224 - $359	210%
Ambetter / Centene	$252	236%
Carolina Complete	$359	336%
Amerihealth	$366	343%
Wellcare	$366	343%
Caresource North Carolina	$1,019	954%
Atlantic Corporation Dba Atlantic Packaging	$1,375	1287%
Amps	$1,401	1312%
Plotkin Health	$1,528	1431%
Medcost	$1,918 - $2,137	1796%
Transformhealth	$2,038	1908%
Multiplan	$2,292	2146%
Phcs	$2,292	2146%
Employers Choice Network	$2,471	2313%
Three Rivers Provider Network	$2,471	2313%

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 $1,274.
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 Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center 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.