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In short MRI lower back price What the MRI lower back checks Why people get it How Pymander fits Common questions SourcesAn MRI lower back costs about $191.72 using the Medicare national rate as a cash benchmark.
An imaging center may add its own facility or reading fee. Insurance is not billed. This is an outside benchmark, not a Pymander price. Benchmark as of 2026 (October release).
MRI lower back price
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Benchmark price | $191.72 |
| Basis | CMS Physician Fee Schedule 2026 (October release) |
| Billing code | CPT 72148 |
| Format | In person |
$191.72 is Medicare’s national non-facility amount for this scan, the public benchmark for a cash price. It is not a quote from a specific imaging center and it is not a Pymander price. An imaging center may add its own facility or reading fee. Ask for the total price in writing before you book. Source data: CMS Physician Fee Schedule 2026 (October release).
Of the 26 scans in our catalog, MRI lower back costs less than 8 of the others. The middle price for that group is $132.27.
What the MRI lower back checks
A detailed scan of the lower spine, discs and nerves, without contrast dye.
Good for
Back pain with leg pain or numbness that hasn’t improved with time, or before a procedure.
How it works
Needs an order from a licensed clinician. The AI doctor can help sort out whether a scan makes sense and route you to a clinician who can order it. The scan is done at an imaging center.
Good to know
MRI uses a strong magnet, not radiation. Some pacemakers and metal implants are not safe in an MRI, so the center screens for them first. Most back pain gets better without a scan. New leg weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control needs emergency care now.
How to prepare
Remove all metal. Tell the center about any implant, pacemaker, metal fragments, or pregnancy. The scan takes about 30–45 minutes lying still.
The plain-language description on this page was written from public medical sources and has not been reviewed by a clinician. Use it to get oriented, then check with your own clinician or pharmacist.
Why people get it
People look this up for back pain, sciatica, herniated disc, spinal stenosis.
How Pymander fits
Pymander is an AI-native, cash-pay healthcare system. This catalog shows an outside benchmark price so you know what to expect before you pay. You can text our free AI doctor to talk through your symptoms and whether this scan makes sense, and bring the care note to a licensed clinician. A clinician decides what is ordered.
Common questions
How much does an MRI lower back cost without insurance?
About $191.72 using Medicare’s national non-facility amount for this scan, the public benchmark for a cash price (2026 (October release)). An imaging center may add its own facility or reading fee. The real price depends on where you go.
Why is this a Medicare price?
Medicare publishes national rates for every billing code. They are a public, checkable benchmark, so we use them instead of guessing. Cash prices at a given lab, center or clinic can be higher or lower.
Do I need an order for this scan?
Most imaging centers need an order from a licensed clinician. Chest pain, sudden weakness or trouble speaking means call 911, not a scheduled scan.
Is this Pymander’s price?
No. It is a public outside benchmark that Pymander does not set. Ask for the exact price before you book.