CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Hackensack University Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $596
Cash Discount Price: $125
vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.58x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Hackensack University Medical Center is $596. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $125. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 5.58x the Medicare baseline. Located in 30 Prospect Ave, Hackensack, NJ.

Cash / Self-Pay

$125

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$596

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: $125 (117%)

Insurance Median: $596 (558%)

Cash: $125 (117% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $596 (558% 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 558% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 458%). 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
Karna	$86 - $254	81%
UnitedHealthcare	$100 - $337	94%
Vaccn	$125	117%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$125	117%
Horizon	$125 - $2,253	117%
Wellcare	$125	117%
Aetna	$127 - $580	119%
United Community/Americhoice	$131	123%
Cigna	$251 - $1,848	235%
Oxford	$337	316%
Clover	$416	389%
Amerihealth	$552	517%
Seoul Medical Group	$661	619%
Intergroup	$1,617	1514%
Bergen Risk	$1,732	1622%
Brighton Health Plan	$1,825	1709%
Chn	$1,964	1839%
Activecare First McO	$1,964	1839%
Multiplan - PHCS	$1,964	1839%
Lhp Health	$2,029	1900%
Qualcare	$2,037	1907%

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 $125.
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 Hackensack University 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.