Lower back X-ray cost in Chicago, IL
In Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN, 63 hospitals list a cash price for X-ray of the lower back (lumbar spine), 2 or 3 views: from $70.48 to $1,202.00, with a median of $347.50. The lowest listed price is at Roseland Community Hospital — $277.02 less than the median here. Across Illinois, the median is $445.80 at 113 hospitals.
- The median here, $347.50, is 15% above the US median of $303.00.
- That is 3.3× Medicare's 2026 national rate for the same service ($106.81).
- 12 of 63 hospitals list a cash price equal to their full list price, with no self-pay discount.
Cash prices at 63 facilities across 44 cities for code 72100, as an outpatient — the setting a self-pay patient normally buys. Collected Nov 10, 2026; the hospital files themselves were last updated between Jan 1, 2025 and Nov 6, 2026.
Lowest$70.48Roseland Community Hospital
Median$347.50half of hospitals charge less
Highest$1,202.00in this market
Difference17.1×highest vs lowest
Where each hospital's price falls
Each dot is one hospital's cash price on a scale from the lowest to the highest in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN.
median
Lowest $70.48Highest $1,202.00
Hospitals, cheapest first
| Hospital | Cash price | List price | Insurers pay | Off list |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roseland Community Hospital lowest Chicago, IL · (773) 995-3000 X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views File of Jul 1, 2026 · source file | $70.48 | $273.00 | $70.48–$300.30 | 74% |
| Humboldt Park Health Chicago, IL · (773) 292-8200 X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views File of Sep 29, 2026 · source file | $82.32 | $294.00 | $97.02–$308.70 | 72% |
| Franciscan Health Rensselaer Rensselaer, IN · (219) 866-5141 Rad Exam Spine Lumbosacral;2/3 Vw File of Jan 1, 2026 · source file | $106.68 | $298.00 | $66.34–$480.96 | 64% |
| Mercy Medical Center Aurora, IL · (630) 859-2222 LUMBAR SPINE MIN 3 VIEWS File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $111.00 | $994.00 | $30.78–$994.00 | 89% |
| Saint Joseph Medical Center - Joliet Joliet, IL · (815) 725-7133 LUMBAR SPINE MIN 2V, AP & LAT File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $111.00 | $940.00 | $30.78–$940.00 | 88% |
| Saint Francis Hospital Evanston, IL · (847) 316-4000 HC X-RAY LUMBAR SPINE 2/3 VW File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $111.00 | $431.00 | $30.31–$431.00 | 74% |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale Hinsdale, IL · (630) 856-9000 HC X-RAY LUMBAR SPINE 2/3 VW File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $127.50 | $510.00 | — | 75% |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Glenoaks Glendale Heights, IL · (630) 545-8000 HC X-RAY LUMBAR SPINE 2/3 VW File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $127.50 | $510.00 | — | 75% |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange La Grange, IL · (708) 352-1200 HC X-RAY LUMBAR SPINE 2/3 VW File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $127.50 | $510.00 | — | 75% |
| Uchicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook Bolingbrook, IL · (630) 312-5000 HC X-RAY LUMBAR SPINE 2/3 VW File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $127.50 | $510.00 | — | 75% |
| MacNeal Hospital Berwyn, IL · (708) 783-9100 Spine Lumbar 2-3 Views+2 more lines at this price File of Mar 31, 2026 · source file | $133.00 | $700.00 | $133.00–$969.50 | 81% |
| Gottlieb Memorial Hospital Melrose Park, IL · (708) 681-3200 Spine Lumbosac 2 or 3 Vw Standing+2 more lines at this price File of Mar 31, 2026 · source file | $133.00 | $700.00 | $67.88–$2,544.00 | 81% |
| Presence Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago Chicago, IL · (773) 665-3000 HC X-RAY EXAM LUMBOSACRAL SPINE 2-3 VIEWS File of Jan 1, 2026 · source file | $142.23 | $431.00 | $32.72–$272.68 | 67% |
| Loyola University Medical Center Maywood, IL · (708) 216-9000 Spine Lumbar 2-3 Views+2 more lines at this price File of Mar 31, 2026 · source file | $161.00 | $700.00 | $79.22–$737.80 | 77% |
| Franciscan Health Munster Munster, IN · (219) 922-4200 Rad Exam Spine Lumbosacral;2/3 Vw File of Jan 1, 2026 · source file | $168.06 | $789.00 | $66.34–$591.75 | 79% |
| John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital Chicago, IL · (312) 864-6000 XR LUMBAR SPINE 2 OR 3 VIEWS File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $187.60 | $268.00 | $16.16–$214.40 | 30% |
| Franciscan Health Dyer Dyer, IN · (219) 865-2141 Rad Exam Spine Lumbosacral;2/3 Vw File of Jan 1, 2026 · source file | $197.64 | $732.00 | $66.34–$549.00 | 73% |
| Morris Hospital Morris, IL · (815) 942-2932 X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views File of Oct 27, 2026 · source file | $229.77 | $955.00 | $412.56–$983.65 | 76% |
| Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8700 MSI Lumbar Spine+2 more lines at this price File of Mar 17, 2025 · source file | $238.64 | $701.89 | $34.28–$456.23 | 66% |
| Resilience Healthcare West Suburban Medical Center Oak Park, IL · (708) 383-6200 MSI Lumbar Spine+2 more lines at this price File of Mar 17, 2025 · source file | $252.48 | $742.59 | $34.28–$482.68 | 66% |
| Franciscan Health Crown Point Crown Point, IN · (219) 757-6100 Rad Exam Spine Lumbosacral;2/3 Vw File of Jan 1, 2026 · source file | $256.71 | $995.00 | $995.00 | 74% |
| Advocate Childrens Hospital Oak Lawn Oak Lawn, IL XR LUMBAR SPINE 2 OR 3 VIEW File of Nov 3, 2026 · source file | $265.00 | $530.00 | $124.18–$495.00 | 50% |
| Advocate Christ Medical Center Oak Lawn, IL · (708) 684-8000 XR LUMBAR SPINE 2 OR 3 VIEW File of Nov 3, 2026 · source file | $265.00 | $530.00 | $62.30–$495.00 | 50% |
| Northwest Health - Porter Valparaiso, IN · (219) 983-8300 SP-LS SPN 2 TO 3V DR [BCE 161]+2 more lines at this price File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $270.81 | $1,003.00 | $37.68–$842.52 | 73% |
| Shriners Childrens - Chicago Chicago, IL · (773) 622-5400 X-RAY OF LOWER AND SACRAL SPINE; 2-3 VIEWS File of Mar 19, 2026 · source file | $271.50 | $271.50 | $32.79–$156.84 | — |
| Community First Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 282-7000 X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $279.13 | $558.25 | $68.51–$558.25 | 50% |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Glenbrook Hospital Glenview, IL Spine L/S 2-3 Views File of Jan 1, 2025 · source file | $292.50 | $450.00 | $60.75–$245.70 | 35% |
| NorthShore University HealthSystems Skokie Hospital Skokie, IL Spine L/S 2-3 Views File of Jan 1, 2025 · source file | $292.50 | $450.00 | $60.75–$245.70 | 35% |
| Mercyhealth Hospital & Medical Center - Harvard Harvard, IL · (815) 943-5431 HC XR LUMBAR SPINE 2V OR 3V File of Mar 1, 2026 · source file | $295.61 | $394.15 | — | 25% |
| Mercyhealth Crystal Lake Hospital & Medical Center Crystal Lake, IL · (792) 220-5500 HC XR LUMBAR SPINE 2V OR 3V File of Mar 1, 2026 · source file | $300.13 | $400.17 | — | 25% |
| Advocate Sherman Hospital Elgin, IL · (847) 742-9800 XR LUMBAR SPINE 2 OR 3 VIEW File of Nov 3, 2026 · source file | $322.50 | $645.00 | $103.07–$580.50 | 50% |
| Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 975-1600 XR LUMBAR SPINE 2 OR 3 VIEW File of Nov 3, 2026 · source file | $347.50 | $695.00 | $124.18–$565.73 | 50% |
| Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Barrington, IL · (847) 381-9600 XR LUMBAR SPINE 2 OR 3 VIEW File of Nov 3, 2026 · source file | $347.50 | $695.00 | $124.18–$556.00 | 50% |
| Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Park Ridge, IL · (847) 723-2210 XR LUMBAR SPINE 2 OR 3 VIEW File of Nov 3, 2026 · source file | $370.00 | $740.00 | $124.18–$658.60 | 50% |
| Advocate Childrens Hospital Park Ridge Park Ridge, IL XR LUMBAR SPINE 2 OR 3 VIEW File of Nov 6, 2026 · source file | $370.00 | $740.00 | $124.18–$658.60 | 50% |
| Loretto Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 626-4300 LUMBAR SPINE-AP AND LAT File of Nov 5, 2026 · source file | $371.00 | $618.33 | $17.18–$618.33 | 40% |
| Advocate Trinity Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 967-5002 XR LUMBAR SPINE 2 OR 3 VIEW File of Nov 3, 2026 · source file | $400.00 | $800.00 | $124.18–$640.00 | 50% |
| Advocate South Suburban Hospital Hazel Crest, IL XR LUMBAR SPINE 2 OR 3 VIEW File of Nov 3, 2026 · source file | $400.00 | $800.00 | $124.18–$779.20 | 50% |
| Northwest Community Hospital Arlington Heights, IL · (847) 618-1000 Hb X-Ray Exam L-S Spine 2/3 Vws File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $404.00 | $404.00 | — | — |
| Advocate Condell Medical Center Libertyville, IL · (847) 362-2900 XR LUMBAR SPINE 2 OR 3 VIEW File of Nov 3, 2026 · source file | $415.00 | $830.00 | $124.18–$664.00 | 50% |
| La Rabida Children's Hospital Chicago, IL · (773) 363-6700 LUMBAR SPINE AP/LAT File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $463.93 | $463.93 | — | — |
| Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital Downers Grove, IL · (630) 275-5900 XR LUMBAR SPINE 2 OR 3 VIEW File of Nov 3, 2026 · source file | $470.00 | $940.00 | $124.18–$752.00 | 50% |
| Northshore University Healthsystem - Evanston Hospital Evanston, IL · (847) 570-2000 HB SPINE L/S 2-3 VIEWS File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $506.00 | $506.00 | — | — |
| Endeavor Health Highland Park Hospital Highland Park, IL HB SPINE L/S 2-3 VIEWS File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $506.00 | $506.00 | — | — |
| Swedish Covenant Health Chicago, IL · (773) 878-8200 HB SPINE L/S 2-3 VIEWS File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $506.00 | $506.00 | — | — |
| Jackson Park Hospital Foundation Chicago, IL · (773) 947-7500 XR LUMBOSACRAL SPINE AN /LAT File of Dec 26, 2025 · source file | $508.37 | $635.46 | — | 20% |
| The University of Chicago Medical Center Chicago, IL · (773) 702-9785 Hc Radiologic Examination, Spine, Lumbosacral; 2 Or 3 Views File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $524.00 | $524.00 | — | — |
| Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Chicago, IL · (312) 227-4000 H XR SPINE LUMBAR 2 OR 3 VIEWS File of Sep 1, 2026 · source file | $527.80 | $754.00 | $128.18–$716.30 | 30% |
| Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital DeKalb, IL · (815) 756-1521 HB X-Ray Exam L-S Spine 2/3 Vws File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $651.70 | $931.00 | $170.37–$931.00 | 30% |
| Northwestern Memorial Hospital Chicago, IL · (312) 926-2000 HB X-Ray Exam L-S Spine 2/3 Vws File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $651.70 | $931.00 | $157.95–$931.00 | 30% |
| Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital Sandwich, IL · (815) 786-8484 HB X-Ray Exam L-S Spine 2/3 Vws File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $651.70 | $931.00 | $176.89–$931.00 | 30% |
| Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital McHenry, IL · (815) 344-5000 HB X-Ray Exam L-S Spine 2/3 Vws File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $651.70 | $931.00 | $179.68–$931.00 | 30% |
| Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital Winfield, IL · (630) 682-1600 HB X-Ray Exam L-S Spine 2/3 Vws File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $651.70 | $931.00 | $64.24–$931.00 | 30% |
| Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital Lake Forest, IL · (847) 234-5600 HB X-Ray Exam L-S Spine 2/3 Vws File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $651.70 | $931.00 | $154.55–$931.00 | 30% |
| Palos Community Hospital Palos Heights, IL · (708) 923-4000 HB X-Ray Exam L-S Spine 2/3 Vws File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $651.70 | $931.00 | $148.96–$931.00 | 30% |
| Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital Geneva, IL · (630) 208-3000 HB X-Ray Exam L-S Spine 2/3 Vws File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $651.70 | $931.00 | $138.72–$931.00 | 30% |
| Ingalls Memorial Hospital Harvey, IL · (708) 333-2300 Hc Radiologic Examination, Spine, Lumbosacral; 2 Or 3 Views File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $744.00 | $744.00 | — | — |
| Uchicago Medicine Northwest Indiana Crown Point, IN · (312) 755-4706 HC RADIOLOGIC EXAMINATION, SPINE, LUMBOSACRAL; 2 OR 3 VIEWS File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $744.00 | $744.00 | — | — |
| Methodist Hospital-Southlake Merrillville, IN · (219) 886-4000 Dr Lumbosacral Sp. File of Aug 18, 2026 · source file | $941.50 | $1,345.00 | $66.34–$1,197.05 | 30% |
| The Methodist Hospitals Gary, IN · (219) 886-4000 Dr Lumbosacral Sp. File of Aug 18, 2026 · source file | $941.50 | $1,345.00 | $66.34–$1,197.05 | 30% |
| Vista Medical Center East Waukegan, IL · (847) 360-3000 SP-LS SPN 2 TO 3V DR File of Mar 31, 2025 · source file | $1,070.51 | $1,070.51 | $40.31–$245.00 | — |
| Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Elmhurst, IL · (331) 221-1000 HC RAD SPINE LUMBOSACRAL TWO OR THREE VIEWS File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,202.00 | $1,202.00 | — | — |
| Edward Hospital Naperville, IL · (630) 527-3000 HC RAD SPINE LUMBOSACRAL TWO OR THREE VIEWS File of Apr 1, 2026 · source file | $1,202.00 | $1,202.00 | — | — |
Hospital The hospital that published the price, its city and the line exactly as written in its price file.
Cash price The hospital's own price for a patient paying without insurance (“discounted cash” in its price file). Hospitals must publish it under federal law, 45 CFR 180.50. Call to confirm it before booking. More
List price The hospital's full chargemaster price (“gross charge”) before any discount. Almost nobody pays it; the gap to the cash price shows what the self-pay discount is worth. More
Insurers pay The lowest and highest rates this hospital has agreed with insurance plans for the same item, from its price file. If the cash price is below what your plan pays and you have not met your deductible, paying cash can cost you less. More
Off list How much lower the cash price is than the list price.
At or below Medicare This cash price is at or below what Medicare pays a hospital for the same service, which is unusually low. It is what the hospital's file says; confirm it and what it includes before booking. More
No cash discount This line's cash price equals the hospital's full list price. Many hospitals still reduce bills for uninsured patients: ask the billing office for its self-pay discount in writing. More
Outpatient: lowest $70.48, median $347.50, highest $1,202.00 — a 17.1× difference within the same market.
As an inpatient, the same code is billed by 40 facilities here, median $354.29. Inpatient and outpatient prices are not comparable and are kept on separate pages: the inpatient charge covers admission, not the same purchase.
Cash or insurance?
At 42 of 46 hospitals that publish insurer rates for this code here, the cash price is below the highest rate a health plan has negotiated, and at 4 it is below every plan's rate. If you have insurance but have not met your deductible, you usually pay your plan's negotiated rate, which falls somewhere in the "Insurers pay" column. Paying cash can cost less, but a cash payment usually does not count toward your deductible. Ask the hospital for both numbers before you book.
What lower back X-ray is, what the price covers and why prices differ: Lower back X-ray explained.
2 rows held back from this comparison
They are priced below $1 or below a tenth of the national median for code 72100 ($310.00). Such a line is almost always a physician's fee billed separately, an assistant's share or a placeholder — a real charge, but not the price of the procedure itself.
| Hospital | Cash price | File |
|---|---|---|
| Loyola University Medical Center Maywood, ILEwc - Xray Spine Lumbosac 2 or 3 Vw | $0.01 | file |
| Gottlieb Memorial Hospital Melrose Park, ILEwc - Xray Spine Lumbosac 2 or 3 Vw | $0.01 | file |
File Link to the hospital's own price file.