How Much Does CT Lumbar Spine without & with Contrast Cost?
Also known as: Ct lumbar spine w/o & w/dye (CPT 72133)
CT Lumbar Spine without & with Contrast (CPT 72133) costs $197 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $179.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much Ct lumbar spine w/o & w/dye costs across different settings and payers
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Ct lumbar spine w/o & w/dye
What Insurance Companies Actually Pay
Real negotiated rates from 16 hospitals across 6 states (from hospital price transparency filings)
| Insurance Company | Avg Rate | Range | Hospitals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $1,786 | $159 - $10,388 | 10 |
| United | $963 | $171 - $7,180 | 10 |
| Cigna | $3,293 | $167 - $10,693 | 9 |
| Humana | $2,169 | $167 - $9,929 | 8 |
| KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC. | $518 | $300 - $940 | 5 |
| BCBS | $490 | $178 - $816 | 4 |
| BCBS-TX | $576 | $266 - $819 | 3 |
| Multiplan | $3,416 | $295 - $9,407 | 5 |
| Wellpoint | $426 | $175 - $1,340 | 2 |
| Anthem | $1,364 | $357 - $7,734 | 2 |
| CHC | $3,865 | $184 - $8,402 | 2 |
| Community Health Choice MCD | $180 | $180 | 2 |
How to Reduce Your Cost for Ct lumbar spine w/o & w/dye
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
- 4 Check ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
This procedure is available at ASCs for $97, compared to $179 at hospital outpatient departments. ASCs often offer lower costs with comparable quality.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (5.89) x CF ($33.40) = $197
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Consider These Alternatives
Depending on your clinical situation, these alternatives may be appropriate and could save you money.
Note: Alternative procedures may not be clinically appropriate for all patients. Always consult your physician to determine the best option for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ct lumbar spine w/o & w/dye cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Ct lumbar spine w/o & w/dye is $197. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $179. At an ambulatory surgery center, the rate is $97. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Ct lumbar spine w/o & w/dye cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Ct lumbar spine w/o & w/dye can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Ct lumbar spine w/o & w/dye?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Ct lumbar spine w/o & w/dye when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.