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MRI of the Lower Back, Without Contrast

Washington, DC rates for HCPCS 72148

A detailed imaging exam of the lower spine using magnetic fields and radio waves rather than radiation, performed without contrast dye. It provides a clear view of the discs, nerves, spinal cord, and surrounding soft tissue, making it useful for evaluating back pain, nerve symptoms, or suspected disc problems. It shows soft tissue detail that a standard X-ray cannot capture.

Rates data updated October 2026.

How much does MRI of the Lower Back, Without Contrast cost?

$282

Typical negotiated rate. In Washington, DC, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $282 for this service. Most negotiated rates run $186 to $537.

These are rates insurers have negotiated with providers, not the amount a patient is billed. What you owe depends on your plan's deductible and coinsurance. Based on rates published by 5 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $955 · 10th to 90th $398 to $2,570Professionalmedian $282 · 10th to 90th $170 to $741
$100$200$500$1K$2Kfacility $955professional $282

Distribution of negotiated rates across all payers (price axis is log-scale). Small sample; interpret with caution. Need provider-level prices or 24+ months of history? Contact us.

Rates by insurance carrier

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$398.11
Median
$537.03
Typical High
$2,570.40
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$331.13
Median
$398.11
Typical High
$645.65
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$79.43
Median
$117.49
Typical High
$194.98
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$186.21
Median
$281.84
Typical High
$436.52
CareFirst
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$87.10
Median
$186.21
Typical High
$676.08
CareFirst
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$95.50
Median
$95.50
Typical High
$141.25
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$588.84
Median
$1,445.44
Typical High
$1,621.81
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$190.55
Median
$524.81
Typical High
$1,000.00
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$58.88
Median
$81.28
Typical High
$288.40
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$134.90
Median
$371.54
Typical High
$660.69
Kaiser Permanente
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$204.17
Median
$218.78
Typical High
$478.63
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$199.53
Median
$371.54
Typical High
$741.31
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$46.77
Median
$89.13
Typical High
$245.47
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$141.25
Median
$295.12
Typical High
$489.78
3 more rates with less common billing modifiers

A modifier changes what was billed, for example a reduced or repeated service. Each of these modifiers carries under 10% of the published rates for this code. Modifier combinations, and modifiers with fewer than 30 rates for a carrier, are not listed.

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
52 · Reduced service
Typical Low
$186.21
Median
$199.53
Typical High
$213.80
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
53 · Discontinued
Typical Low
$74.13
Median
$79.43
Typical High
$85.11
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
FX · Film X-ray
Typical Low
$323.59
Median
$323.59
Typical High
$323.59

Where Washington, DC sits

The same service costs 24.0 times more in Vermont than in Utah. Every bar is a state, most expensive first. Touch or drag across it to read any state, then open that state for its carriers and full range.

Washington, DC· 38th of 51

$282

VT $2,951UT $123

Median negotiated rate in each state, from every insurer that publishes one. States where no insurer publishes a rate for this service are not shown.