Procedures
Lumbar discography (per disc level) with imaging cost in California
Lumbar discography (per disc level) with imaging 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 California
From 201 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $1,616 (most listed prices $721–$4,950).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: Usually done at 2-4 levels, including a control level, so the total scales with the level count. Cervical/thoracic discography is 62291 + 72285.
Cheapest in California
Total price
Lumbar discography (per disc level) with imaging
The facility fee + the doctor's fee
How totals are compared
Every total covers the same bundle: the facility fee + the doctor's fee. Where a hospital does not publish a part, the typical published amount is added and the total is marked estimated.
In California, from 201 providers. Most listed prices: $732–$6,269.
Cheapest totals nearby
- San Joaquin Community Hospital$497Hospital · BakersfieldEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $519
- $542
- University of Michigan Health-Sparrow St. LawrenceLumbar discogram injection, each disc levelDoctor fee only$74Source: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow St. Lawrence price fil · checked Oct 2026
- $102
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Mercy Hospitals – Bakersfield price file · checked Oct 2026 - $110
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Bakersfield Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Adventist Health Medical Center TehachapiLumbar discogram injection, each disc levelFacility fee only$144
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Medical Center Tehachapi price file · checked Oct 2026 - $161
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Willits Hospital Inc price file · checked Oct 2026 - $168
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Tri-City Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $177
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Northridge Hospital Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $207
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: St Helena Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Simi Valley Hospital and Health Care ServicesLumbar discogram injection, each disc levelFacility fee only$270
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Simi Valley Hospital and Health Care Services price file · checked Oct 2026 - $281
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: San Antonio Regional Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $304
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Loma Linda University Children's HospitalLumbar discogram injection, each disc levelFacility fee only$308
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Loma Linda University Children's Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for Lumbar discography (per disc level) with imaging
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.