What is MRI: Lower Back (Lumbar Spine) (CPT 72148)?

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluating spinal discs, pinched nerves, and sciatica causes. This clinical code is utilized across practices and hospitals for diagnostic and therapeutic service documentation.

What do doctors typically charge for MRI: Lower Back (Lumbar Spine)?

The nationwide median physician charge for MRI: Lower Back (Lumbar Spine) (CPT 72148) is $456.00. Doctor billed charges vary based on geographic region, setting, and overhead.

What is the standard insurance baseline for CPT 72148?

The standard insurance baseline reimbursement rate is $73.31. This represents the customary allowable amount established across standard fee schedules.

Home/Procedures/MRI: Lower Back (Lumbar Spine)

CPT 72148Diagnostic Imaging

MRI: Lower Back (Lumbar Spine)

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluating spinal discs, pinched nerves, and sciatica causes. Clinical pricing breakdown and utilization metrics across 14,990 practicing doctors nationwide.

$456.00

Peer Median Charge

Gross billed rate

$73.31

Standard Baseline

Customary allowable

6.2x

National Markup

Charge vs baseline

14,990

Active Physicians

Billing this code

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Understanding This Medical Fee

Gross Charge vs Negotiated Payment: The median physician charge for this service is $456.00. However, insured patients almost never pay this full amount directly. Insurers negotiate rates down toward the $73.31 baseline.

Self-Pay & Uninsured Guidance: If you are paying without insurance or out-of-network, request a prompt-pay cash discount. Most medical practices are willing to settle self-pay bills near the customary baseline rate rather than the full gross charge.

Key Questions for Your Doctor's Billing Office:

"Does Dr. [Name] participate in my specific insurance plan network?"
"What is the total self-pay or cash rate for code 72148 if paid upfront?"
"Are there separate facility, anesthesia, or pathology fees associated with this procedure?"