CPT 72146 Radiology
MRI thoracic spine without contrast Cost
Body System: Musculoskeletal
Medicare Facility Rate
$82
CMS PFS CY2026
Medicare Non-Facility Rate
$303
Office/clinic setting
Hospital Outpatient
$244
OPPS rate
Surgery Center (ASC)
$122
ASC rate
Relative Value Units (RVUs)
Medicare payment = Total RVU × Conversion Factor ($33.40 for CY 2026)
1.08
Work RVU
1.38
Facility PE RVU
0.09
Malpractice RVU
Cost by Location
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $223 | $290 — $446 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $172 | $224 — $345 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $170 | $221 — $340 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $187 | $242 — $373 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $204 | $266 — $409 |
| CA — CHICO | $204 | $265 — $408 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $204 | $265 — $408 |
| CA — FRESNO | $204 | $265 — $408 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $204 | $265 — $408 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $218 | $283 — $435 |
| CA — MADERA | $204 | $265 — $408 |
| CA — MERCED | $204 | $265 — $408 |
| CA — MODESTO | $204 | $265 — $408 |
| CA — NAPA | $237 | $308 — $474 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $217 | $282 — $434 |
| CA — REDDING | $204 | $265 — $408 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $204 | $265 — $408 |
| CA — RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO-ONTARIO | $205 | $267 — $410 |
| CA — SACRAMENTO-ROSEVILLE-FOLSOM | $214 | $279 — $429 |
| CA — SALINAS | $213 | $278 — $427 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does MRI thoracic spine without contrast cost?
The Medicare facility rate is $82. Commercial insurance typically pays 150-250% of Medicare rates (varies). Hospital outpatient rate: $244. Ambulatory surgery center rate: $122.
How much does MRI thoracic spine without contrast cost without insurance?
Without insurance, you may pay the hospital's chargemaster rate, which is often 300-500% of Medicare. Ask about cash-pay discounts — many facilities offer 20-40% off for self-pay patients. The Medicare baseline for this procedure is $82.