How much does an MRI of the lumbar spine cost in Austin?

MRI of the lumbar spine · CPT 72148 · Metro area: Austin

In Austin, the typical insurer-negotiated price for an MRI of the lumbar spine is about $326, with most between $323 and $1,246 ($5,230 cash/self-pay). Based on 12 Austin hospitals — 63% lower than the national typical of $870. Hospital list charges run about $5,230 (16× higher).

Insurer-negotiated
$326
Austin · $323$1,246
Cash / self-pay
$5,230
typical cash price
Hospital list charge
$5,230
16× the negotiated rate

Source: medians across 12 Austin hospitals' published price files (≥5 reporting). See the national MRI of the lumbar spine cost for the full picture. Estimates vary by hospital, insurer, and plan.

MRI of the lumbar spine cost in Austin — FAQs

How much does an MRI of the lumbar spine cost in Austin?

In Austin, the typical insurer-negotiated price for an MRI of the lumbar spine is about $326, with most between $323 and $1,246, based on 12 Austin hospitals. That's 63% lower than the national typical of $870.

How much does an MRI of the lumbar spine cost without insurance in Austin?

Cash or self-pay prices for an MRI of the lumbar spine in Austin run around $5,230. Hospitals often bill the higher "list" charge first (about $5,230), so ask for the cash or self-pay rate.

Why is my Austin hospital bill for an MRI of the lumbar spine so high?

Austin hospital "list" charges for an MRI of the lumbar spine run about $5,230 — roughly 16× the $326 insurers actually pay there. The list price is rarely what anyone pays; the negotiated and cash rates are the realistic benchmark.

Can I negotiate the cost of an MRI of the lumbar spine in Austin?

Yes. If a Austin hospital charged you well above the typical negotiated rate (about $326), that gap is negotiable. Upfronte audits your bill against real Austin hospital pricing data and negotiates it down on your behalf — no savings, no fee.

Charged more than $326 in Austin?

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

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