CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Washington Hospital, The

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $166
Cash Discount Price: $832
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.55x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Washington Hospital, The is $166. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $832. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 1.55x the Medicare baseline. Located in 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$832

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$166

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: $832 (779%)

Insurance Median: $166 (155%)

Cash: $832 (779% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $166 (155% 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
Upmc Health Plan	$76 - $435	71%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$94 - $234	88%
Aetna	$101 - $704	95%
Senior Life	$101	95%
Humana	$102	95%
Health Plan Of Upper Ohio Valley	$103 - $870	96%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$107 - $159	100%
Amerihealth Caritas	$159	149%
City Of Washington	$203	190%
Peak Health	$896	839%
Cigna	$916	858%
Coventry/First Health	$922	863%

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 $832.
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 Washington Hospital, The 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.