Imaging - MRI
MRI lumbar spine with contrast cost in Virginia
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 Virginia
From 86 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Virginia.
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 Virginia
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 Virginia, from 86 providers. Most listed prices: $1,099–$7,948.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Dickenson Community Hospital$836Hospital · ClintwoodEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Lee County Community Hospital$836Hospital · Pennington GapEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $848
- $338Source: Bath Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- $625est. $836 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Dickenson Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $625est. $836 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Lee County Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $637est. $848 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Johnston Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $637est. $848 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Lonesome Pine Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $637est. $848 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Russell County Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $637est. $848 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Smyth County Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $967
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Augusta Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $779est. $990 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Southern Virginia Medical Center price file · checked Nov 2026 - $779est. $990 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Southside Regional Medical Center price file · checked Nov 2026 - $1,089
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: UVA Health Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $888est. $1,099 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. +2 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Inova Alexandria Hospital 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.