CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: St Luke's Hospital - Upper Bucks Campus

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $288
  • Cash Discount Price: $3,593
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.70x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at St Luke's Hospital - Upper Bucks Campus is $288. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,593. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 2.70x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3000 St. Luke's Drive, Quakertown, PA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$3,593

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$288

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: $3,593 (3364%)
Insurance Median: $288 (270%)
Cash: $3,593 (3364% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $288 (270% 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 270% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 170%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash 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 $109 - $3,306 102%
Highmark $109 - $376 102%
Aetna $111 - $1,393 104%
Geisinger $111 - $1,123 104%
Humana $113 106%
Upmc Health Plan $114 - $1,094 107%
UnitedHealthcare $118 - $1,154 110%
Keystone First $139 130%
Highmark Wholecare $159 149%
Amerihealth Caritas $166 155%
Jefferson Health Plan $200 187%
Oscar $1,036 970%
Cigna $1,093 1023%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 3000 St. Luke's Drive, Quakertown, PA 18951
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★★
  • Ownership Type: Proprietary
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals