CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Valley Regional Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $1,723
  • Cash Discount Price: $15,963
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 16.13x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Valley Regional Medical Center is $1,723. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $15,963. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 16.13x the Medicare baseline. Located in 100 A Alton Gloor, Brownsville, TX.
Cash / Self-Pay
$15,963

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$1,723

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: $15,963 (14945%)
Insurance Median: $1,723 (1613%)
Cash: $15,963 (14945% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $1,723 (1613% 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 1613% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1513%). 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 $104 97%
Usa Mco $105 98%
Driscoll Childrens Health Plan $108 101%
United $109 - $7,183 102%
Aetna $115 - $2,309 108%
Molina Healthcare $115 108%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $275 - $7,183 257%
Superior Health Plan $1,117 1046%
Humana $1,281 1199%
Texas Workforce Commission $3,831 3587%
Averde Health $5,268 4932%
Healthsmart Preferred Care $6,864 - $13,568 6426%
First Health $9,179 8594%
National Healthcare Solutions $9,578 8967%
Southwest Medical $9,578 8967%
Coastal Comp $10,376 9714%
Total E&P Mexico $10,376 9714%
Affiliated Healthcare $10,855 10163%
Mcm Maxcare $12,770 11956%
Pronet Ppo $12,770 11956%
Usa Managed Care $12,770 11956%
Beech Street $14,366 13450%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 100 A Alton Gloor, Brownsville, TX 78526
  • CMS Rating: ★★☆☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Proprietary
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals