Imaging · CPT 72148
MRI of the lower back (lumbar spine), no contrast costs $195 to $7,030 cash at US hospitals.
34 hospitals publish a cash price for CPT 72148. The median is $510, and the most expensive hospital lists 36× the cheapest. Below, the same comparison by metro area.
$195
lowest cash price in the US
$510
median cash price
$243
median negotiated rate (41 hospitals)
$1,229
median list price (gross charge)
By metro area
lowest · median · highest cash priceLowest published cash prices
1
What the number is
The hospital's discounted cash price for CPT 72148, facility part. Physician and anesthesia usually bill separately.
2
Cash vs. insured
With insurance you pay a share of the negotiated rate, which can be higher than the cash price. You may ask for the cash price instead.
3
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."