CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: New London Hospital

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $177
Cash Discount Price: $786
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.66x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at New London Hospital is $177. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $786. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 1.66x the Medicare baseline. Located in 273 County Road, New London, NH.

Cash / Self-Pay

$786

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$177

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: $786 (736%)

Insurance Median: $177 (166%)

Cash: $786 (736% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $177 (166% 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.

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	$46 - $1,361	43%
Martin'S Point Generations Advantage	$46 - $756	43%
Martin'S Point Health Care	$46 - $1,181	43%
UnitedHealthcare	$46 - $1,344	43%
Wellcare Health Plans	$47 - $756	44%
Wellsense Health Plan	$48 - $756	45%
Aetna	$52 - $1,485	49%
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Of Ne	$54 - $1,226	51%
Ambetter / Centene	$59 - $756	55%
Cigna	$63 - $1,164	59%
Amerihealth Caritas Nh	$67 - $876	63%
Granite State Health Plan	$67 - $868	63%
Tufts Health Plan	$1,188 - $1,237	1112%
Coventry	$1,624	1520%
Multiplan	$1,633	1529%

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 $786.
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 New London Hospital 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.