CPT 72110 is a set of at least four X-ray images of the lumbar and sacral spine, taken from different angles. It is a common first test for lower-back pain after an injury, and for checking alignment and arthritis. It takes about 15 minutes.

What the price covers

The hospital's price is the technical fee for the X-ray room and technologist. The radiologist's reading is billed separately. Fewer views (72100, two or three views) is a cheaper code; ask which one your doctor ordered.

Why prices vary

Plain X-rays are inexpensive to perform, and the listed hospital prices reflect chargemaster policy more than cost: the same four views can list at $80 in one hospital and $800 in another. Physician offices and urgent-care clinics with their own X-ray equipment are often much cheaper than hospitals.

Questions to ask

Is this the price for 72110, and does it include the radiologist reading?
Would two or three views (72100) answer my doctor's question?
Can I have the X-ray done at an outpatient location or clinic instead?

X-ray of the lower spine (4 or more views) near you