How much does an MRI of the lumbar spine cost in Houston?
MRI of the lumbar spine · CPT 72148 · Metro area: Houston
In Houston, the typical insurer-negotiated price for an MRI of the lumbar spine is about $550, with most between $487 and $2,225 ($2,987 cash/self-pay). Based on 34 Houston hospitals — 37% lower than the national typical of $870. Hospital list charges run about $9,421 (17.1× higher).
Source: medians across 34 Houston 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 Houston — FAQs
How much does an MRI of the lumbar spine cost in Houston?
In Houston, the typical insurer-negotiated price for an MRI of the lumbar spine is about $550, with most between $487 and $2,225, based on 34 Houston hospitals. That's 37% lower than the national typical of $870.
How much does an MRI of the lumbar spine cost without insurance in Houston?
Cash or self-pay prices for an MRI of the lumbar spine in Houston run around $2,987. Hospitals often bill the higher "list" charge first (about $9,421), so ask for the cash or self-pay rate.
Why is my Houston hospital bill for an MRI of the lumbar spine so high?
Houston hospital "list" charges for an MRI of the lumbar spine run about $9,421 — roughly 17.1× the $550 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 Houston?
Yes. If a Houston hospital charged you well above the typical negotiated rate (about $550), that gap is negotiable. Upfronte audits your bill against real Houston hospital pricing data and negotiates it down on your behalf — no savings, no fee.
Charged more than $550 in Houston?
Upload your bill and Upfronte will check it against real Houston hospital prices and negotiate overcharges. No savings, no fee.
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