Imaging - MRI
MRI lumbar spine with contrast cost in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin
From 96 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Wisconsin.
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 Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin, from 96 providers. Most listed prices: $1,161–$3,464.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Mercyhealth Hospital & Trauma Center$479Hospital · JanesvilleEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Crossing Rivers Health$874Hospital · Prairie Du ChienEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $890
- $159Source: St. Croix Health price file · checked Oct 2026
- $267est. $479 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Mercyhealth Hospital & Trauma Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $658
+12 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $663est. $874 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Crossing Rivers Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $679est. $890 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Bellin Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $679est. $890 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Emplify Health Behavioral Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $750est. $961 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $872est. $1,083 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Tomah Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $950est. $1,161 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. +3 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: ThedaCare Appleton price file · checked Oct 2026 - $950est. $1,161 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: ThedaCare Neenah price file · checked Oct 2026 - Ascension All Saints Hospital - Spring Street Campus (Ascension All Saints Hospital, Inc.)MRI of lower back (lumbar spine), with contrastScan only$1,387
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Ascension All Saints Hospital - Spring Street Camp price fil · checked Oct 2026 - Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Elmbrook CampusMRI of lower back (lumbar spine), with contrastScan only$1,387
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital - Elmbrook Campus 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.