Imaging - MRI
MRI lumbar spine with contrast cost in North Carolina
MRI 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 North Carolina
From 102 hospital and 0 clinic prices in North Carolina.
Nationwide typical: $2,224 (most listed prices $706–$6,312).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: Most contrast lumbar MRIs are 72158 (without and with). 72149 alone is uncommon.
Cheapest in North Carolina
Total price
MRI 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 North Carolina, from 102 providers. Most listed prices: $1,761–$6,163.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $466
- Iredell Memorial Hospital$1,004Hospital · StatesvilleEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Novant Health Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass Health$1,225Hospital · Winston SalemEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $255est. $466 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Granville Health System price file · checked Oct 2026 - $793est. $1,004 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Iredell Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Novant Health Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass HealthMRI of lower back (lumbar spine), with contrastScan only$1,014est. $1,225 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Novant Health Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliat price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $1,118est. $1,330 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,300est. $1,511 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $1,357est. $1,568 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Novant Health Pender Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Duke Raleigh Hospital a Campus of Duke University HospitalMRI of lower back (lumbar spine), with contrastScan only$1,402est. $1,613 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Duke Raleigh Hospital a Campus of Duke University price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $1,402est. $1,613 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Duke Regional Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,436est. $1,647 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,534est. $1,746 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,753
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: WakeMed Cary Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - WakeMed Mental Health & Well Being Hospital - WakebrookMRI of lower back (lumbar spine), with contrastScan only$1,753
The radiologist read is billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: WakeMed Mental Health & Well Being Hospital - Wake price fil · 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.