CT scan, lower back (lumbar spine)
Facility: Salina Regional Health Center
Billing Code: 72131 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 72131
- Insurance Median: $2,432
- Cash Discount Price: $1,892
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 22.77x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. 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 2277% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 2177%). 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.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $479 - $504 | 448% |
| Preferred Phsic | $1,622 | 1519% |
| Preferred Healthcare - All Other Plans | $2,189 | 2049% |
| Multiplan (Mpi)-All Plans | $2,432 | 2277% |
| Providers Care (Wppa)-All Plans | $2,432 | 2277% |
| Cigna | $2,432 | 2277% |
| Aetna | $2,432 | 2277% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For a CT scan of the lower back at Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, Kansas, the facility's cash median price is $1,892, which is lower than the state average of $2,189. While many commercial payers negotiate rates significantly higher than the cash price—ranging from $2,189 to $2,432 depending on the plan—patients with high-deductible insurance may find paying the cash rate directly more cost-effective if their out-of-pocket costs exceed the negotiated amount. It is important to note that while the facility is an in-network location for most major insurers, the No Surprises Act generally protects patients from balance billing for emergency services or out-of-network providers at in-network facilities; however, patients should still verify their specific plan coverage and ask the billing department about any self-pay or prompt-pay discounts before scheduling to ensure they are not inadvertently agreeing to higher contractual rates.
The facility's negotiated rates, which average $2,432 across seven payers, are notably higher than the cash price and the state median, reflecting the administrative costs and contract dynamics inherent in commercial insurance billing. Because Medicare sets a benchmark of $106.81 for this procedure, commercial rates represent a significant markup, and patients should be aware that comparing discounts to the hospital's gross charge of $2,703 can be misleading; the true baseline for fair pricing is the Medicare rate. To avoid unexpected costs, consumers should request a detailed, itemized bill rather than accepting a summary invoice, as over 80% of hospital bills contain errors such as unbundled codes or charges for services not rendered. If a patient receives a bill that appears