CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: St David's South Austin Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $2,912
  • Cash Discount Price: $7,668
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 27.26x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at St David's South Austin Medical Center is $2,912. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $7,668. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 27.26x the Medicare baseline. Located in 901 West Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX.
Cash / Self-Pay
$7,668

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$2,912

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: $7,668 (7179%)
Insurance Median: $2,912 (2726%)
Cash: $7,668 (7179% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $2,912 (2726% 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 2726% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2626%). 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 - $3,519 102%
Blue Cross Blue Shield $110 - $2,494 103%
Molina Healthcare $115 108%
Humana $131 123%
Sendero $131 123%
Aetna $132 - $2,612 124%
Amerigroup $218 204%
Superior Health Plan $376 - $1,329 352%
Cigna $2,180 - $2,268 2041%
Imo Med - Select Network $2,255 - $2,346 2111%
Texas Healthcare Foundation Heb $2,781 - $2,893 2604%
Texas Workforce Commission $2,932 - $3,049 2745%
Averde Health $3,383 - $3,519 3167%
Comanche County $3,758 - $3,910 3518%
Emerging Therapy Solutions $3,758 - $5,395 3518%
National Choicecare $3,758 - $3,910 3518%
Healthsmart Preferred Care $4,134 - $6,255 3870%
Independent Medical Systems $4,134 - $4,300 3870%
Physicians Cooperative Of Texas $4,134 - $4,300 3870%
Prime Health $4,510 - $4,691 4222%
First Health $4,736 - $5,622 4434%
Coastal Comp Health Networks $4,886 - $5,082 4574%
National Health Care $4,886 - $5,082 4574%
Texas Municipal League $5,262 - $5,473 4927%
Medcorp Southwest $5,638 - $5,864 5279%
Preferred Health Arrangement $5,638 - $5,864 5279%
Rockport Healthcare Group $6,014 - $7,037 5631%
Bce Emergis Corporation $6,765 - $7,037 6334%
Beech Street $6,765 - $7,037 6334%
Medical Control Network Solutions $6,765 - $7,037 6334%
Multiplan $6,765 - $7,037 6334%
UnitedHealthcare $7,517 - $7,819 7038%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 901 West Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
  • CMS Rating: ★★★☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Proprietary
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals