CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: HCA Houston Healthcare West

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $1,301
  • Cash Discount Price: $21,752
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 12.18x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at HCA Houston Healthcare West is $1,301. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $21,752. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 12.18x the Medicare baseline. Located in 12141 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX.
Cash / Self-Pay
$21,752

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$1,301

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: $21,752 (20365%)
Insurance Median: $1,301 (1218%)
Cash: $21,752 (20365% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $1,301 (1218% 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 1218% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1118%). 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 - $3,611 98%
Community Health Choice Mcd $107 100%
United $109 - $9,788 102%
Aetna $115 - $1,301 108%
Molina Healthcare $115 108%
Humana $131 - $2,273 123%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $224 - $7,613 210%
Superior Health Plan $1,305 1222%
Cigna $1,635 - $17,402 1531%
Texas Workforce Commission $5,220 4887%
Christus (Usfhp) $8,701 8146%
Healthsmart Preferred Care $9,353 - $18,489 8757%
Fidelis Securecare Of Tx $9,788 9164%
Coventry National First Health $11,594 10855%
Physicians Cooperative Of Texas $11,964 11201%
Rockport Workers Comp $11,964 11201%
Independent Medical System $13,051 12219%
National Healthcare Solutions $13,051 12219%
Southwest Medical $13,051 12219%
Triumph $13,051 12219%
Coastal Comp $14,139 13238%
Multiplan $16,314 - $18,489 15274%
Physicians, Inc $18,489 17310%
Affiliated Ppo $19,577 18329%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 12141 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77082
  • CMS Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Proprietary
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals