CMS Price Transparency Data

X-ray, lower back

Facility: HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center

Billing Code: 72110 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72110
Insurance Median: $307
Cash Discount Price: $4,140
vs. Medicare Baseline: 2.87x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a X-ray, lower back at HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center is $307. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $4,140. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 2.87x the Medicare baseline. Located in 1313 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$4,140

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$307

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: $4,140 (3876%)

Insurance Median: $307 (287%)

Cash: $4,140 (3876% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $307 (287% 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 287% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 187%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Consult Patient Advocate

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance 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
Community Health Choice Mcd	$51	48%
United	$52 - $1,863	49%
Aetna	$56 - $415	52%
Molina Healthcare	$57	53%
Humana	$65 - $577	61%
Superior Health Plan	$103 - $248	96%
Cigna	$142 - $182	133%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$197 - $1,449	184%
Healthcare Highways	$438 - $1,056	410%
Evry Health	$469 - $1,130	439%
Christus (Usfhp)	$687 - $1,656	643%
Curative Administrators	$687 - $1,656	643%
Coventry National First Health	$916 - $2,207	858%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $4,140.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 72110.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 72110.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.