CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $1,024
  • Cash Discount Price: $13,926
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 9.59x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake is $1,024. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $13,926. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 9.59x the Medicare baseline. Located in 500 W Medical Center Blvd, Webster, TX.
Cash / Self-Pay
$13,926

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$1,024

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: $13,926 (13038%)
Insurance Median: $1,024 (959%)
Cash: $13,926 (13038% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $1,024 (959% 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 959% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 859%). 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 - $2,312 98%
Utmb $105 98%
Community Health Choice Mcd $107 100%
United $109 - $6,267 102%
Aetna $115 - $1,301 108%
Molina Healthcare $115 108%
Humana $131 - $2,273 123%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $191 - $4,874 179%
Superior Health Plan $836 783%
Cigna $1,635 - $11,141 1531%
Texas Workforce Commission $3,342 3129%
Ipa Management Services $3,481 3259%
Christus (Usfhp) $5,570 5215%
Healthsmart Preferred Care $5,988 - $11,837 5606%
Fidelis Securecare Of Tx $6,267 5867%
Coventry National First Health $7,422 6949%
Physicians Cooperative Of Texas $7,659 7171%
Rockport Workers Comp $7,659 7171%
Beech Street $8,355 - $11,141 7822%
Independent Medical System $8,355 7822%
National Healthcare Solutions $8,355 7822%
Southwest Medical $8,355 7822%
Coastal Comp $9,052 8475%
Physicians, Inc $11,837 11082%
Affiliated Ppo $12,533 11734%
Multiplan $12,533 11734%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 500 W Medical Center Blvd, Webster, TX 77598
  • CMS Rating: ★★★★☆
  • Ownership Type: Proprietary
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals