MRI of the lower back (lumbar spine), without contrast at St. Joseph Medical Center
CPT 72148 · Houston, TX
These are St. Joseph Medical Center's own posted figures from its standard-charges file dated September 1, 2026. They are not a quote. Source: the hospital's file · its price transparency page.
Across 111 Texas hospitals we index that post a cash price for this service: lowest $235.85, median $2,394.15, highest $22,879.00. See every hospital.
Nearby hospitals, same service
| Hospital | Distance | Cash price | Gross charge | File date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center Houston, TX | 2.3 mi | $18,235.34 | $18,235.34 | 2026-09-01 |
| Memorial Hermann - Texas Medical Center Houston, TX | 4.2 mi | $1,929.84 | $6,030.75 | 2026-04-01 |
| Baylor St. Lukes Medical Center Houston, TX | 4.2 mi | $3,528.70 | $10,082.00 | 2026-02-28 |
| Houston Methodist Hospital Houston, TX | 4.2 mi | $1,056.00 | $2,112.00 | 2026-04-01 |
| Texas Orthopedic Hospital Houston, TX | 4.2 mi | $13,437.52 | $13,437.52 | 2026-09-01 |
| Texas Childrens Hospital Houston, TX | 4.2 mi | $3,694.38 | $5,514.00 | 2026-03-05 |
| Memorial Hermann Hospital System Houston, TX | 4.2 mi | $1,515.12 | $4,734.75 | 2026-04-01 |
| Womans Hospital of Texas,the Houston, TX | 5.8 mi | $10,080.14 | $10,080.14 | 2026-09-01 |
Distances are straight-line from ZIP code centers. Each hospital's figures come from its own file; files are updated on different dates.
Every row for CPT 72148 in this hospital's file
| Row in the hospital's file | Setting | Cash | Gross | Insurer min – max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRI SPINE LUMBAR WO CONTR line 20159 | outpatient | $235.85 | $7,832.15 | $227.60 – $335.57 |
| MRI SPINE LUMBAR WO CONTR line 20160 | inpatient | $7,832.15 | $4,699.29 – $7,832.15 | |
| MRI SPINE LUMBAR WO CONTR line 20161 | outpatient | $7,832.15 | $197.14 – $7,832.15 |
The first row is the one used above. A price for one code usually covers the hospital's facility charge only; the doctor, anesthesia, pathology and other services can be billed separately. Ask the hospital for a good faith estimate before a scheduled service: if you pay yourself and the bill comes in $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it under the No Surprises Act.
Check a bill from this hospital All St. Joseph Medical Center prices