How Much Does CT Scan of the Lower Back (Lumbar Spine) without Contrast Cost?
Also known as: Ct lumbar spine without contrast (CPT 72131)
A quick imaging scan of the lower spine using X-ray technology to create detailed cross-sectional images.
CT Scan of the Lower Back (Lumbar Spine) without Contrast (CPT 72131) costs $130 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $107.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much Ct lumbar spine without contrast costs across different settings and payers
Patient Guide: CT Scan of the Lower Back (Lumbar Spine) without Contrast
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
You lie on a table that moves through a donut-shaped scanner. The scan takes only a few minutes.
How Long Does It Take?
5-15 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Back pain, suspected fracture, spinal stenosis, disc herniation, post-injury evaluation
How to Prepare
Remove metal items from the area. Let staff know if you are or might be pregnant.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Ct lumbar spine without contrast
Ct lumbar spine without contrast Cost by Location
Medicare-adjusted rates across CMS localities
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $152 | $198 — $304 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $118 | $153 — $235 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $116 | $151 — $232 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $127 | $165 — $255 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $139 | $181 — $279 |
| CA — CHICO | $139 | $181 — $278 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $139 | $181 — $278 |
| CA — FRESNO | $139 | $181 — $278 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $139 | $181 — $278 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $149 | $193 — $297 |
| CA — MADERA | $139 | $181 — $278 |
| CA — MERCED | $139 | $181 — $278 |
| CA — MODESTO | $139 | $181 — $278 |
| CA — NAPA | $162 | $210 — $324 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $148 | $192 — $296 |
| CA — REDDING | $139 | $181 — $278 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $139 | $181 — $278 |
| CA — RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO-ONTARIO | $140 | $182 — $280 |
| CA — SACRAMENTO-ROSEVILLE-FOLSOM | $146 | $190 — $292 |
| CA — SALINAS | $146 | $189 — $291 |
| CA — SAN DIEGO-CHULA VISTA-CARLSBAD | $149 | $194 — $298 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (MARIN CNTY) | $172 | $223 — $343 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (SAN FRANCISCO/SAN MATEO/ALAMEDA/CONTRA COSTA CNTY) | $171 | $223 — $343 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SAN BENITO CNTY) | $175 | $228 — $350 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SANTA CLARA CNTY) | $175 | $227 — $350 |
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 | $1,458 | $95 - $6,745 | 10 |
| United | $804 | $78 - $4,662 | 10 |
| Humana | $1,466 | $100 - $6,447 | 8 |
| Cigna | $2,598 | $100 - $6,943 | 8 |
| KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC. | $314 | $182 - $570 | 5 |
| BCBS | $293 | $107 - $502 | 4 |
| BCBS-TX | $333 | $164 - $488 | 3 |
| Multiplan | $2,543 | $176 - $7,024 | 5 |
| Wellpoint | $359 | $105 - $1,340 | 2 |
| Anthem | $956 | $115 - $5,775 | 2 |
| CHC | $2,499 | $110 - $5,455 | 2 |
| Community Health Choice MCD | $107 | $107 | 2 |
How to Reduce Your Cost for Ct lumbar spine without contrast
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
Medicare rates for this procedure range from $116 to $175 depending on location. Commercial rates vary even more.
- 4 Check ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
This procedure is available at ASCs for $57, compared to $107 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 (3.89) x CF ($33.40) = $130
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 without contrast cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Ct lumbar spine without contrast is $130. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $107. At an ambulatory surgery center, the rate is $57. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Ct lumbar spine without contrast cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Ct lumbar spine without contrast 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 without contrast?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Ct lumbar spine without contrast 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.