Scans and imaging CPT 72148 District of Columbia Outpatient

Lower back MRI cost in District of Columbia

In District of Columbia, 2 hospitals publish a cash price for MRI of the lower back, no contrast dye: from $882.62 to $1,795.66, with a median of $1,339.14. The lowest price is at National Rehabilitation Hospital (Washington). The highest price is 2.0× the lowest.

Outpatient cash prices, one line per hospital — its lowest listed price for code 72148. Prices for both sides of the body and inpatient prices are not mixed in. Collected Sep 27, 2026. See them on a map

Lowest$882.62National Rehabilitation Hospital
Median$1,339.14half pay less
Highest$1,795.66in District of Columbia
Lowest saves$456.52vs the median

Hospitals in District of Columbia, cheapest first

HospitalCash price List priceFile date
National Rehabilitation Hospital lowest Washington · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV MRI SPINE LUMBAR WO CONTRAST $882.62 $1,357.88 Apr 1, 2026
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MedStar Georgetown Hospital Northwest Washington · Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV MRI SPINE LUMBAR WO CONTRAST $1,795.66 $2,762.56 Apr 1, 2026
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By metro area

Each metro page compares every listing, including prices for both sides of the body.

Metro areaHospitals LowestMedian
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 2 $882.62 $1,339.14

What it is

An MRI of the lower back uses a magnet and radio waves to make detailed pictures of the lumbar spine, including discs, nerves and the spinal canal. It is commonly ordered for back pain that spreads down the leg, numbness or weakness. No contrast dye is used.

What the price covers

The hospital price usually covers the scan. The radiologist's interpretation is often billed separately.

MRI of the lower back, no contrast dye in other states

Median cash price across the state's hospitals.