US Health Care Costs

MRI of the mid-back, without contrast in Massachusetts

CPT 72146 · hospital facility charge

Cash prices range from $2,810 to $3,384 at the 4 Massachusetts hospitals whose price files we have read so far.

Estimate what you would pay

$3,329typical cash price
$733typical commercial insurer rate
$2.8k–$3.4kcash price range, 4 hospitals
Cash price by hospital, lowest first

Massachusetts typical cash price: $3,329

Massachusetts hospitals compared

HospitalCityList priceCash priceInsurers (median)
Newton-Wellesley HospitalNewton$3,747$2,810$231$226–$888 · 8 plans
Brigham and Women's HospitalBoston$4,439$3,329$287$231–$1,948 · 17 plans
Massachusetts General HospitalBoston$4,439$3,329$1,180$231–$1,628 · 10 plans
Berkshire Medical CenterPittsfield$3,562$3,384$2,310$281–$3,384 · 40 plans
Only hospitals whose price files we've read are listed. The price is the hospital's part; the doctor (radiologist, surgeon, anesthesiologist) usually bills separately.

Common questions

How much does MRI of the mid-back, without contrast cost at a hospital in Massachusetts?

At 4 Massachusetts hospitals that publish a cash price, the typical price for MRI of the mid-back, without contrast is $3,329, and most charge between $2,966 and $3,368. The typical rate commercial insurers have negotiated is $733. These are hospital prices; independent clinics, imaging centers and labs often charge less.

Is it cheaper to pay cash or use insurance for MRI of the mid-back, without contrast?

At 0 of the 4 hospitals in Massachusetts that publish both, the cash price is lower than the typical insurer rate. Remember that with insurance you pay only your share of that rate once your deductible is met, and that cash payments usually don't count toward your deductible.

Which hospital in Massachusetts has the lowest cash price for MRI of the mid-back, without contrast?

Of the hospitals whose price files we have read, the lowest published cash price is $2,810 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Confirm the price with the hospital before you book.

Does the price include the doctor?

No. These are the hospital's own charges, often called the facility fee. The doctors involved, such as the surgeon, the anesthesiologist or the radiologist who reads a scan, usually send a separate bill.

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