CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, lower back

Facility: UPMC Altoona

Billing Code: 72110 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72110
Insurance Median: $192
Cash Discount Price: $339
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.80x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, lower back at UPMC Altoona is $192. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $339. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 1.80x the Medicare baseline. Located in 620 Howard Avenue, Altoona, PA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$339

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$192

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: $339 (317%)

Insurance Median: $192 (180%)

Cash: $339 (317% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $192 (180% 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
Aetna	$22 - $299	21%
UnitedHealthcare	$24 - $290	22%
Upmc Health Plan	$25 - $209	23%
Geisinger	$31 - $311	29%
Highmark Wholecare (Prev Gateway)	$33 - $282	31%
Health Partners Plans (Jefferson Health Plan)	$34	32%
Amerihealth Caritas	$35	33%
Pa Health & Wellness	$38	36%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$58	54%
Upmc Work Partners	$77	72%
Cigna	$282	264%
Preferred Healthcare System	$282	264%
Private Health Care Systems	$452	423%

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 $339.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 72110.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm UPMC Altoona is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 72110.
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.