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

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

In Pittsburgh, the typical insurer-negotiated price for an MRI of the lumbar spine is about $2,172, with most between $1,664 and $3,138 ($5,189 cash/self-pay). Based on 16 Pittsburgh hospitals — 150% higher than the national typical of $870. Hospital list charges run about $6,486 (3× higher).

Insurer-negotiated
$2,172
Pittsburgh · $1,664$3,138
Cash / self-pay
$5,189
typical cash price
Hospital list charge
$6,486
3× the negotiated rate

Source: medians across 16 Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh — FAQs

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

In Pittsburgh, the typical insurer-negotiated price for an MRI of the lumbar spine is about $2,172, with most between $1,664 and $3,138, based on 16 Pittsburgh hospitals. That's 150% higher than the national typical of $870.

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

Cash or self-pay prices for an MRI of the lumbar spine in Pittsburgh run around $5,189. Hospitals often bill the higher "list" charge first (about $6,486), so ask for the cash or self-pay rate.

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

Pittsburgh hospital "list" charges for an MRI of the lumbar spine run about $6,486 — roughly 3× the $2,172 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 Pittsburgh?

Yes. If a Pittsburgh hospital charged you well above the typical negotiated rate (about $2,172), that gap is negotiable. Upfronte audits your bill against real Pittsburgh hospital pricing data and negotiates it down on your behalf — no savings, no fee.

Charged more than $2,172 in Pittsburgh?

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

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