Research prices › MRI lumbar spine (no contrast)
MRI lumbar spine (no contrast)
Expect to pay around
cash, at independent providers · benchmark from 2 independent cash observations in Indiana. illustrative, not a quote
Core evidence snapshot 2026-07-27. Each source has its own checked date and geography. How these references are built →
Sources and dates differ by location.
Online booking is not available here yet. Start with published evidence, then ask the provider to confirm the full price in writing.
What you're actually buying
An MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves, not radiation, to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body. You lie still in the scanner, usually for 20 to 45 minutes. “No contrast” means no dye is injected for the scan.
CPT: 72148. Ask for this code when you call for a price. Also match the location, billing unit, and included services.
What changes the total?
This page covers lumbar spine MRI without contrast. Confirm that both the lower-back region and the no-contrast instructions match your order.
- Body area and contrast: confirm the exact study and whether contrast is included.
- Professional interpretation: ask whether the radiologist's read is included or billed separately.
- Location and other charges: ask about facility fees and any additional services.
Before you agree to a price
- Does this written price cover the scan and the radiologist's report?
- Do you need my order before confirming the service and price?
- What could change this price, and will you contact me before adding a charge?
Keep the service code 72148, location, included charges, and written quote together. A benchmark on this page does not establish the amount you will be charged.
Prepare questions for your plan →Where the money actually lands
Hospital band: median to high cash price across 96 hospital price lists (Indiana hospitals; more states are being added) · checked 2026-07-15. We show the typical-to-high span because the lowest hospital list prices are often not real-world. Medicare's rate ($180) is a reference line, not a price you can get.
Indiana Health Prices reports a middle insurance price of $826 for MRI of the Spine, all health plans, through March 2026. This is an official screening benchmark, not a plan-specific determination. Screening benchmark. The law's test uses your plan's average discounted network rate. Confirm with your plan. Open the official source.
Named providers who publish, coverage labeled below
These are supported examples from the published snapshot, not a complete provider directory. Each has its own source, checked date, and location scope.
Showing 2 of 2 named examples. Location coverage is not appointment availability.
from $399
Affordable MRI Center
Indianapolis, IN
source · checked 2026-07-27
Evidence checked 2026-07-27 · exact-page evidence. Availability not confirmed.
$600
Meridian Radiology
Available in Indiana · 2 sites in 1 state
published cash price
source · checked 2026-07-27
Evidence checked 2026-07-27 · exact-page evidence. Availability not confirmed.
“Advertised from” prices are the provider's own starting price, not a full quote.
Before you pay cash
- These are benchmarks, not quotes. Confirm the all-in price in writing before you book.
- Ask what's included. The radiologist's read, facility fee, and follow-up can be billed separately.
- Cash pay may count toward your deductible in some states, but it is not automatic. Learn how →
- We don't advise. Nothing here is medical, legal, or financial advice.
Next steps
Get the exact service and all-in cash price in writing, then ask your plan whether a direct payment may count before you pay.
Check whether it may count Prepare a written quote request
Paid cash for this already? Share a redacted receipt or public price link.
Aggregate benchmarks are calculated from the public-safe data snapshot and labeled by source type, observation count, and date. Named provider prices additionally require a public source, checked date, and archived-evidence marker for the same record. All prices are illustrative, not quotes.