CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: St David's Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $946
  • Cash Discount Price: $2,966
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 8.86x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at St David's Medical Center is $946. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $2,966. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 8.86x the Medicare baseline. Located in 919 E 32Nd St, Austin, TX.
Cash / Self-Pay
$2,966

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$946

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: $2,966 (2777%)
Insurance Median: $946 (886%)
Cash: $2,966 (2777% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $946 (886% 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 886% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 786%). 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
St David’S Hospice $105 98%
United $109 - $1,335 102%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $110 - $946 103%
Molina Healthcare $115 108%
Humana $131 123%
Sendero $131 123%
Aetna $132 - $2,612 124%
Superior Health Plan $148 - $504 139%
Amerigroup $218 204%
Imo Med - Select Network $890 833%
Texas Healthcare Foundation Heb $1,097 1027%
Texas Workforce Commission $1,157 1083%
Averde Health $1,335 1250%
Comanche County $1,483 1388%
National Choicecare $1,483 1388%
Healthsmart Preferred Care $1,631 - $2,373 1527%
Independent Medical Systems $1,631 1527%
Physicians Cooperative Of Texas $1,631 1527%
Prime Health $1,780 1667%
First Health $1,869 - $2,133 1750%
Coastal Comp Health Networks $1,928 1805%
National Health Care $1,928 1805%
Texas Municipal League $2,076 1944%
Medcorp Southwest $2,224 2082%
Rockport Healthcare Group $2,373 - $2,669 2222%
Bce Emergis Corporation $2,669 2499%
Beech Street $2,669 2499%
Medical Control Network Solutions $2,669 2499%
Multiplan $2,669 2499%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 919 E 32Nd St, Austin, TX 78705
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Proprietary
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals