Heads up: Rates shown are for lumbar spine MRI without contrast (72148) — the most common spine MRI. Cervical and thoracic spine MRIs run similar prices.
Spine MRIs are most commonly ordered for back pain, neck pain, or numbness/weakness in the limbs. The code depends on which region of the spine (cervical = neck, thoracic = mid-back, lumbar = lower back) and whether contrast dye is used.
Tip: Lumbar spine MRI without contrast (72148) is by far the most common. If you have lower back pain, that's likely what you're getting.
| Code | Variant | When it applies | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPT 72141 | Cervical spine (neck) | Without contrast | See exact rates → |
| CPT 72156 | Cervical spine (neck) | With and without contrast | See exact rates → |
| CPT 72146 | Thoracic spine (mid-back) | Without contrast | See exact rates → |
| CPT 72148 | Lumbar spine (lower back) | Without contrast — most common | See exact rates → |
| CPT 72158 | Lumbar spine (lower back) | With and without contrast | See exact rates → |
Ranges span all billing codes for this procedure. Actual rate depends on which variant is performed.
| Insurance | AdventHealth Tampa | AdventHealth Wesley Chapel | AdventHealth Zephyrhills | HCA Florida Brandon Hospital | HCA Florida Largo Hospital | HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital | HCA Florida Trinity Hospital | HCA Florida West Tampa Hospital |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Molina | $169–$285Best | $169–$285Best | $169–$285Best | $0 covered | $0 covered | $0 covered | $0 covered | $0 covered |
| Medicare | $181–$304Best | $181–$304Best | $181–$304Best | $181–$304Best | $181–$304Best | $181–$304Best | $181–$304Best | $181–$304Best |
| Cigna | $454–$747Best | $465–$764 | $461–$759 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Oscar Health | $454–$713Best | $471–$740 | $517–$812 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Humana | $900 | $934–$2,601 | $653–$1,670Best | — | — | — | — | — |
| Aetna | $501–$837 | $501–$837 | $374–$626Best | $1,826 | $1,826 | $1,826 | $1,826 | $1,826 |
| Workers Comp | — | — | — | $2,094–$5,466Best | $2,094–$5,466Best | $2,094–$5,466Best | $2,094–$5,466Best | $2,094–$5,466Best |
| Multiplan | $2,507–$5,338Best | $2,638–$7,346 | $2,638–$7,346 | $0 covered | $0 covered | $0 covered | $0 covered | $0 covered |
| Self-pay (uninsured) | $2,079–$3,378 | $1,905–$3,378 | $1,878–$3,378Best | $3,475–$8,744 | $15,711–$27,406 | $4,344–$10,930 | $8,714–$9,973 | $4,344–$10,930 |
Source: Hospital price transparency files (federally required). Facility fees only.
Each hospital negotiates separate contracts with every insurer. For the same procedure, the rate can differ by 3–5x between hospital systems — larger systems have more leverage and command higher rates.
Facility fee only. The physician performing this procedure bills separately. Your out-of-pocket depends on your deductible and coinsurance. Federal law requires hospitals to provide a Good Faith Estimate before any non-emergency procedure.