Mri lumbar spine w/o dye vs Mri neck spine w/o dye
Side-by-side cost comparison of CPT 72148 and CPT 72141 (+1% difference)
CPT 72148
Mri lumbar spine w/o dye
CategoryRadiology
Body SystemMusculoskeletal
Total RVU5.74
Medicare Rate$192
CPT 72141
Mri neck spine w/o dye
CategoryRadiology
Body SystemMusculoskeletal
Total RVU5.71
Medicare Rate$191
Cost Comparison by Setting
Medicare Facility CMS PFS 2026 national facility rate
72148
$192
72141
$191
Medicare Non-Facility CMS PFS 2026 non-facility (office) rate
72148
$192
72141
$191
Hospital Outpatient (OPPS) CMS OPPS hospital outpatient rate
72148
72141
Ambulatory Surgery Center CMS ASC surgery center rate
72148
72141
Est. Commercial (Low) Estimated commercial insurance (150% Medicare)
72148
$288
72141
$286
Est. Commercial (High) Estimated commercial insurance (250% Medicare)
72148
$479
72141
$477
Which One Do You Need?
CPT 72148: Mri lumbar spine w/o dye
This is the higher-cost option in the Radiology category. It is a more complex procedure (higher RVU) requiring more physician work, time, or resources.
CPT 72141: Mri neck spine w/o dye
This is the lower-cost option in the Radiology category. It is a less complex procedure (lower RVU) typically requiring less time or fewer resources.
Your doctor determines which CPT code applies based on the specific clinical situation. This comparison is for informational purposes to help you understand the cost differences.