CPT 72148 Radiology
MRI lumbar spine without contrast Cost
Body System: Musculoskeletal
Medicare Facility Rate
$85
CMS PFS CY2026
Medicare Non-Facility Rate
$309
Office/clinic setting
Hospital Outpatient
$244
OPPS rate
Surgery Center (ASC)
$123
ASC rate
Relative Value Units (RVUs)
Medicare payment = Total RVU × Conversion Factor ($33.40 for CY 2026)
1.13
Work RVU
1.42
Facility PE RVU
0.09
Malpractice RVU
Cost by Location
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $225 | $292 — $449 |
| AK — ALASKA* | $109 | $163 — $272 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $174 | $226 — $347 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $171 | $223 — $342 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $188 | $244 — $376 |
| AZ — Phoenix | $88 | $131 — $219 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $206 | $268 — $412 |
| CA — CHICO | $205 | $267 — $411 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $205 | $267 — $411 |
| CA — FRESNO | $205 | $267 — $411 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $205 | $267 — $411 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $219 | $285 — $439 |
| CA — Los Angeles | $98 | $148 — $246 |
| CA — MADERA | $205 | $267 — $411 |
| CA — MERCED | $205 | $267 — $411 |
| CA — MODESTO | $205 | $267 — $411 |
| CA — NAPA | $239 | $311 — $478 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $218 | $284 — $437 |
| CA — REDDING | $205 | $267 — $411 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $205 | $267 — $411 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does MRI lumbar spine without contrast cost?
The Medicare facility rate is $85. Commercial insurance typically pays 150-250% of Medicare rates (varies). Hospital outpatient rate: $244. Ambulatory surgery center rate: $123.
How much does MRI lumbar 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 $85.