CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $1,067
Cash Discount Price: $1,384
vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.99x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center is $1,067. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,384. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 9.99x the Medicare baseline. Located in 8201 Healthcare Loop, Charlotte, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,384

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,067

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: $1,384 (1296%)

Insurance Median: $1,067 (999%)

Cash: $1,384 (1296% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,067 (999% 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 999% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 899%). 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	$102 - $1,633	95%
Humana	$102 - $1,993	95%
Pace Of The Southern Piedmont	$102	95%
UnitedHealthcare	$102 - $1,617	95%
Aetna	$104 - $2,214	97%
Cigna	$105 - $1,426	98%
Liberty Health	$107	100%
Nc Department Of Public Safety	$203 - $1,067	190%
Caresource North Carolina	$913	855%
Carolina Complete	$1,067	999%
Amerihealth	$1,088	1019%
Wellcare	$1,088	1019%
Atlantic Corporation Dba Atlantic Packaging	$1,273	1192%
Amps	$1,522	1425%
Plotkin Health	$1,661	1555%
Medcost	$1,965 - $2,076	1840%
Primary Physician Care	$2,048	1917%
Multiplan	$2,076	1944%
Phcs	$2,076	1944%
Employers Choice Network	$2,685	2514%
Three Rivers Provider Network	$2,685	2514%

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 $1,384.
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 Mint Hill 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.