CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Carolinas Rehabilitation

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $1,303
Cash Discount Price: $1,504
vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.20x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Carolinas Rehabilitation is $1,303. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,504. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 12.20x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1100 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,504

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,303

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: $1,504 (1408%)

Insurance Median: $1,303 (1220%)

Cash: $1,504 (1408% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,303 (1220% 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 1220% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1120%). 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
Cigna	$44 - $2,030	41%
Humana	$45 - $122	42%
Aetna	$46 - $2,557	43%
UnitedHealthcare	$46 - $1,973	43%
Amerihealth Caritas	$49 - $1,170	46%
Carolina Complete Health	$49 - $1,192	46%
Healthy Blue	$49 - $1,192	46%
Wellcare	$49 - $1,192	46%
Ambetter / Centene	$920 - $1,119	861%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,043 - $1,447	977%
Employers Health Network	$1,330	1245%
Physician Reach Out	$1,504	1408%
Medcost	$1,760 - $2,015	1648%
Quik Trip	$1,955	1830%
Choicecare	$2,346	2196%
Healthgram	$2,406	2253%
Private Health Care Systems	$2,467	2310%
First Health	$2,557	2394%
Beechstreet	$2,767	2591%
Multiplan	$2,767	2591%

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 $1,504.
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 Carolinas Rehabilitation 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.