How Much Does MRI Lumbar Spine without & with Contrast Cost?
Also known as: Mri lumbar spine w/o & w/dye (CPT 72158)
An MRI of your lumbar spine done both without and with contrast for the most comprehensive evaluation.
MRI Lumbar Spine without & with Contrast (CPT 72158) costs $318 at Medicare rates.
The rates shown below represent the complete Medicare reimbursement for this service. No separate facility fee applies for this type of procedure.
Patient Guide: MRI Lumbar Spine without & with Contrast
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
You will lie in the MRI tube for an extended scan. Images are taken first without contrast, then after injection of gadolinium contrast dye through an IV.
How Long Does It Take?
60-75 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Comprehensive lower back evaluation, complex disc disease, tumor characterization, post-surgical scar evaluation
How to Prepare
Remove all metal. Plan for a longer appointment. Report any metal implants, kidney disease, or allergies.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Mri lumbar spine w/o & w/dye
How to Reduce Your Cost for Mri lumbar spine w/o & w/dye
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (9.53) x CF ($33.40) = $318
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Consider These Alternatives
Depending on your clinical situation, these alternatives may be appropriate and could save you money.
Note: Alternative procedures may not be clinically appropriate for all patients. Always consult your physician to determine the best option for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Mri lumbar spine w/o & w/dye cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Mri lumbar spine w/o & w/dye is $318. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Mri lumbar spine w/o & w/dye cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Mri lumbar spine w/o & w/dye can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Mri lumbar spine w/o & w/dye?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Mri lumbar spine w/o & w/dye when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.