CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: St Christopher's Hospital for Children

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $989
  • Cash Discount Price: $3,953
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.26x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at St Christopher's Hospital for Children is $989. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $3,953. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 9.26x the Medicare baseline. Located in 160 East Erie Ave, Philadelphia, PA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$3,953

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$989

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: $3,953 (3701%)
Insurance Median: $989 (926%)
Cash: $3,953 (3701% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $989 (926% 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 926% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 826%). 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
Geisinger $107 - $3,558 100%
Amerihealth Caritas $110 103%
Pa Health & Wellness $119 111%
UnitedHealthcare $132 - $168 124%
Health Partners $136 - $1,774 127%
Aetna $154 - $5,930 144%
Upmc $159 149%
Keystone First $167 156%
Gateway $196 184%
Cigna $203 190%
Horizon Nj Health $298 279%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $494 - $4,287 463%
Wellpoint Nj (Formerly Amerigroup) $2,095 1961%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 160 East Erie Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19134
  • CMS Rating: No CMS Rating
  • Ownership Type: Proprietary
  • Hospital Type: Childrens