CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Baylor Scott & White Hospital Brenham

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 72131
Insurance Median: $1,466
Cash Discount Price: $1,603
vs. Medicare Baseline: 13.73x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Baylor Scott & White Hospital Brenham is $1,466. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $1,603. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 13.73x the Medicare baseline. Located in 700 Medical Parkway, Brenham, TX.

Cash / Self-Pay

$1,603

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$1,466

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: $1,603 (1501%)

Insurance Median: $1,466 (1373%)

Cash: $1,603 (1501% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $1,466 (1373% 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 1373% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 1273%). 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
Baylor Scott & White Health Plan	$330 - $1,586	309%
Triwest	$347	325%
Corvel	$364	341%
Prime Health Services	$364	341%
American Health Plan	$365	342%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$365 - $536	342%
Healthspring	$365	342%
Procare Advantage	$365	342%
Superior Health Plan	$365	342%
Careworks Fka Rockport	$432	404%
Injury Management Organization	$432	404%
Sedgwick	$432	404%
Imagine Health	$1,373	1285%
Cigna	$1,466 - $1,725	1373%
Aetna	$1,470	1376%
Midcoast	$1,470	1376%
Quiktrip	$1,470	1376%
UnitedHealthcare	$1,550	1451%
Independent Medical System	$1,603	1501%
University Of Mary Hardin-Baylor	$1,725	1615%
Curative	$1,737	1626%
First Health	$1,870	1751%
Healthsmart	$1,870 - $2,004	1751%
Humana	$1,870 - $2,138	1751%
Private Health Care System	$2,004	1876%
Bluebell Creameries	$2,405	2252%

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 $1,603.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 72131.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Baylor Scott & White Hospital Brenham is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 72131.
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.