How much does an MRI of the cervical spine cost?

MRI of the cervical spine · CPT 72141 · An MRI of the cervical (neck) spine images the discs, nerves, and spinal cord, commonly for neck or arm pain and numbness.

The typical insurer-negotiated price for an MRI of the cervical spine is about $862, with most between $410 and $1,708 ($1,893 cash/self-pay). Based on published rates from 3,185 U.S. hospitals. Hospital list charges run about $3,372 — roughly 3.9× higher.

Insurer-negotiated
$862
typical · $410–$1,708
Cash / self-pay
$1,893
typical cash price
Hospital list charge
$3,372
3.9× the negotiated rate

Source: medians across 3,185hospitals' machine-readable price files (required by federal law since 2021). Figures are estimates and vary by hospital, region, insurer, and plan.

MRI of the cervical spine cost — frequently asked questions

How much does an MRI of the cervical spine cost with insurance?

The typical insurer-negotiated rate for an MRI of the cervical spine is about $862, with most falling between $410 and $1,708, based on published rates from 3,185 U.S. hospitals. What you actually pay depends on your plan's deductible and coinsurance.

How much does an MRI of the cervical spine cost without insurance?

Cash or self-pay prices for an MRI of the cervical spine run around $1,893. Uninsured patients are often billed the much higher hospital "list" charge first (about $3,372), so it's worth asking for the cash or self-pay rate and negotiating.

Why is my hospital MRI of the cervical spine bill so much higher?

Hospital "list" (chargemaster) prices for an MRI of the cervical spine run about $3,372 — roughly 3.9× the $862 insurers actually pay. The list price is a starting point almost no one pays; the negotiated and cash rates are the realistic benchmark.

Can I negotiate the cost of an MRI of the cervical spine?

Yes. If you were charged well above the typical negotiated rate (about $862), that gap is negotiable. Upfronte audits your bill against real hospital pricing data and can negotiate it down on your behalf — no savings, no fee.

Were you charged more than $862?

Upload your bill and Upfronte will check it against real hospital pricing data and negotiate overcharges. No savings, no fee.

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MRI of the cervical spine cost by location

Median negotiated prices for specific states and metro areas.

Metro areas

States

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