CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $1,114
  • Cash Discount Price: $16,205
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 10.43x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast is $1,114. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $16,205. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 10.43x the Medicare baseline. Located in 4000 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX.
Cash / Self-Pay
$16,205

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$1,114

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: $16,205 (15172%)
Insurance Median: $1,114 (1043%)
Cash: $16,205 (15172% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $1,114 (1043% 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 1043% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 943%). 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
Texas Health Network $103 96%
Amerigroup $105 98%
Texas Childrens Health Plans $105 - $2,852 98%
Community Health Choice Mcd $107 100%
United $109 - $7,292 102%
Aetna $115 - $1,301 108%
Molina Healthcare $115 108%
Humana $131 - $2,273 123%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $241 - $5,672 226%
Superior Health Plan $972 910%
Cigna $1,635 - $12,964 1531%
Texas Workforce Commission $3,889 3641%
Christus (Usfhp) $6,482 6069%
Healthsmart Preferred Care $6,968 - $13,774 6524%
Fidelis Securecare Of Tx $7,292 6827%
Coventry National First Health $8,637 8086%
Physicians Cooperative Of Texas $8,913 8345%
Rockport Workers Comp $8,913 8345%
Beech Street $9,723 - $12,964 9103%
Independent Medical System $9,723 9103%
National Healthcare Solutions $9,723 9103%
Prime Health Services $9,723 9103%
Southwest Medical $9,723 9103%
Coastal Comp $10,533 9861%
Fiesta Mart, Inc $12,154 11379%
Physicians, Inc $13,774 12896%
Affiliated Ppo $14,585 13655%
Multiplan $14,585 13655%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 4000 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77504
  • CMS Rating: ★★★☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Proprietary
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals