Imaging - CT
CT lumbar spine with contrast cost in Pennsylvania
CT lumbar spine with contrast is an imaging test. Cash prices for imaging vary widely: hospitals often charge several times what an independent imaging center charges for the same scan.
Typical cash price
In Pennsylvania
From 153 hospital and 1 clinic prices in Pennsylvania.
Nationwide typical: $1,692 (most listed prices $556–$4,694).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: A post-myelogram CT is coded the same way, but intrathecal contrast is given during a separate myelography procedure (62302-62305). It is a different bundle.
Cheapest in Pennsylvania
Total price
CT lumbar spine with contrast
The scan + the radiologist's read
How totals are compared
Every total covers the same bundle: the scan + the radiologist's read. Where a hospital does not publish a part, the typical published amount is added and the total is marked estimated.
In Pennsylvania, from 153 providers. Most listed prices: $556–$4,429.
Cheapest totals nearby
- ChristianaCare Hospital, West Grove$422Hospital · West GroveEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $427
- $459
- $90 per unit
Second-opinion read of existing images, per study; add 20% if the original report is unavailable.
Source: targetradiology.com · checked Oct 2026 - $171Source: Warren General Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- $210Source: UPMC Kane price file · checked Oct 2026
- $412
The radiologist read is billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Jefferson Frankford Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $412
The radiologist read is billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Jefferson Methodist Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $412
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: St. Clair Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $419
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia HospitalCT scan of lower back (lumbar spine), with contrastScan only$419
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital – Center CityCT scan of lower back (lumbar spine), with contrastScan only$419
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital – Cen price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $278est. $422 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: ChristianaCare Hospital, West Grove price file · checked Oct 2026 - Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical CenterCT scan of lower back (lumbar spine), with contrastScan only$427
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $283est. $427 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Bucktail Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
Common questions
Is the radiologist's read included?
Not always. Hospitals usually list the scan (technical fee) and the radiologist's read (professional fee) separately. Many imaging centers quote one all-in price. Look for the "All-in", "Scan only" or "Read only" label on each price.
Do I need a referral?
Most imaging tests need an order from a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Some imaging centers can arrange one; ask when you call.
Why are prices so different?
Each hospital and clinic sets its own cash price. Hospitals publish prices because federal rules require it; clinics and booking sites set prices to compete. The same service can cost several times more at one place than at another nearby.
Can I pay cash if I have insurance?
Yes. You can choose to self-pay. A cash price is often lower than what you would pay before meeting your deductible. Cash payments may not count toward your deductible, so check with your plan. Our cash vs. insurance tool can help you decide.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you are uninsured or paying cash, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate of the cost on request. If your final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it.