CMS Price Transparency Data

CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)

Facility: Multicare Covington Medical Center

Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)
  • CPT Billing Code: 72131
  • Insurance Median: $392
  • Cash Discount Price: $829
  • vs. Medicare Baseline: 3.67x Medicare
The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine) at Multicare Covington Medical Center is $392. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $829. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $106.81, this hospital’s rate is 3.67x the Medicare baseline. Located in 17700 Se 272Nd St, Covington, WA.
Cash / Self-Pay
$829

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median
$392

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: $829 (776%)
Insurance Median: $392 (367%)
Cash: $829 (776% of Medicare)
Ins. Median: $392 (367% 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 367% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 267%). 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
Molina $81 - $215 76%
Community Health Plan Of Washington $87 - $196 81%
Coordinated Care $87 81%
UnitedHealthcare $87 - $563 81%
Wellpoint $87 81%
Aetna $119 - $496 111%
Regence $119 111%
Wellcare $122 114%
Premera $200 - $505 187%
Ambetter / Centene $232 217%
First Choice $392 - $713 367%
Kaiser $568 532%
Pacificsource $645 - $930 604%
First Health $1,345 - $1,681 1259%
Multiplan/Phcs $1,345 - $1,681 1259%
Cigna $1,584 1483%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Facility Profile & Credentials

  • Address: 17700 Se 272Nd St, Covington, WA 98042
  • CMS Rating: ★★★☆☆
  • Ownership Type: Voluntary non-profit - Private
  • Hospital Type: Acute Care Hospitals