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MRI of the Lower Back, Without Contrast

Vermont 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?

$2,951

Typical negotiated rate. In Vermont, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $2,951 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $372 from a physician practice, and about $3,548 from a hospital or other facility.

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.

Prices by location type

Billed byTypicalRange
Physician practiceA doctor's office, clinic or independent provider$372$288 to $575
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$3,548$3,090 to $4,571

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $3,548 · 10th to 90th $2,951 to $4,677Professionalmedian $372 · 10th to 90th $263 to $776
$200$500$1K$2K$5Kfacility $3,548professional $372

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

Rates by insurance carrier

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$3,019.95
Median
$3,548.13
Typical High
$4,677.35
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$371.54
Median
$426.58
Typical High
$575.44
BCBS Vermont
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$2,344.23
Median
$3,162.28
Typical High
$4,677.35
BCBS Vermont
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$269.15
Median
$269.15
Typical High
$851.14
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$3,235.94
Median
$3,235.94
Typical High
$3,235.94
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$263.03
Median
$288.40
Typical High
$724.44
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$91.20
Median
$104.71
Typical High
$208.93
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$169.82
Median
$186.21
Typical High
$616.60
MVP Health Care
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$245.47
Median
$446.68
Typical High
$537.03
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$213.80
Median
$489.78
Typical High
$891.25

Where Vermont 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.

Vermont· 1st of 51

$2,951

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.