MRI of the lower back (lumbar spine), no contrast in Tuscaloosa, AL: hospital prices
One hospital in the Tuscaloosa, AL metro area prices CPT 72148 in its files, but fewer than three list a cash price, so we show the rows without a ranking.
One hospital in the Tuscaloosa, AL metro area lists mri of the lower back (lumbar spine), no contrast (CPT 72148) in its price file, but only as a list price or negotiated insurer rates, not as a cash price. Hospitals must publish a discounted cash price for every shoppable service; where it is missing you can still ask for one by phone.
Sorted by cash price
Hospital facility fee onlyWhat's in the price
The hospital facility fee for CPT 72148. The doctor, anesthesia and lab work usually bill separately.
Cash vs. insured
Cash is what you pay without insurance. With insurance you pay a share of the negotiated rate, which can be higher than cash. You may ask for the cash price.
What to say on the phone
"I'd like the self-pay price for CPT 72148, in writing, and whether it covers facility, physician and anesthesia."
About mri of the lower back (lumbar spine), no contrast
CPT 72148 is an MRI of the lumbar spine without contrast. It is the standard imaging test for sciatica, suspected disc herniation and lower-back pain that has not improved after several weeks. It takes 20 to 40 minutes.
What the price covers
The hospital's price is the technical fee: scanner, technologist, room. The radiologist's reading is billed separately. Contrast studies use a different code.
Do you need it?
Most guidelines advise against MRI for uncomplicated back pain in the first six weeks, because the findings rarely change treatment. If your doctor orders one early, it is reasonable to ask why. When it is needed, it is worth shopping: the same scan varies several times in price within one city.
Why prices vary
Hospital main campuses list the highest prices; hospital-owned outpatient imaging centers list lower; freestanding imaging centers, which are not in these files, are often the cheapest. Cash prices at hospitals frequently undercut the negotiated insurance rate.
Questions to ask
- What is the self-pay price for 72148, scan only?
- What does the radiologist charge for the reading?
- Is the same scanner quality available at your outpatient site for less?
Hospitals in Tuscaloosa, AL without a price for this procedure
Listed so you know who to call. The reason is what we found on their website.
- Dch Regional Medical CenterWebsite blocks automated reading
- Greene County HospitalNo price file found