How Much Does Mri lumbar spine w/o & w/dye Cost?
Mri lumbar spine w/o & w/dye (CPT 72158) costs $318 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $356.
Mri lumbar spine w/o & w/dye Cost by Location
Medicare-adjusted rates across CMS localities
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $370 | $482 — $741 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $288 | $374 — $575 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $284 | $369 — $567 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $312 | $405 — $623 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $342 | $445 — $684 |
| CA — CHICO | $342 | $444 — $683 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $342 | $444 — $683 |
| CA — FRESNO | $342 | $444 — $683 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $342 | $444 — $683 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $365 | $475 — $730 |
| CA — MADERA | $342 | $444 — $683 |
| CA — MERCED | $342 | $444 — $683 |
| CA — MODESTO | $342 | $444 — $683 |
| CA — NAPA | $398 | $518 — $796 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $364 | $473 — $727 |
| CA — REDDING | $342 | $444 — $683 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $342 | $444 — $683 |
| CA — RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO-ONTARIO | $343 | $447 — $687 |
| CA — SACRAMENTO-ROSEVILLE-FOLSOM | $359 | $467 — $718 |
| CA — SALINAS | $358 | $465 — $716 |
| CA — SAN DIEGO-CHULA VISTA-CARLSBAD | $367 | $477 — $733 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (MARIN CNTY) | $422 | $549 — $845 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (SAN FRANCISCO/SAN MATEO/ALAMEDA/CONTRA COSTA CNTY) | $422 | $549 — $844 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SAN BENITO CNTY) | $432 | $561 — $863 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SANTA CLARA CNTY) | $431 | $560 — $862 |
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 (9.53) x CF ($33.40) = $318
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Mri lumbar spine w/o & w/dye cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Mri lumbar spine w/o & w/dye is $318. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $356. At an ambulatory surgery center, the rate is $193. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Mri lumbar spine w/o & w/dye cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Mri 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 Mri lumbar spine w/o & w/dye?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Mri 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.