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MRI Neck Spine W/O Dye: What It Costs and What's Fair

CPT 72141  · Medicare rate: $191  · National avg charge: $2,156  · BillKarma data from 117 providers

Reviewed 2026-04-05  · Pricing data year: 2026

MRI Neck Spine W/O Dye (CPT 72141) is a diagnostic imaging scan that gives physicians detailed views of internal structures without surgery. It is typically ordered to evaluate an injury, disease, or condition that cannot be fully assessed through a physical exam alone. The scan usually takes 15 to 60 minutes to complete.

Cost by Billing Grade

Grade Avg Hospital Charge Medicare Rate Est. Patient Cost* Hospitals
D $3,518 $191 $704 2
F $4,084 $191 $817 32
N/A $1,380 $191 $276 83

*Estimated patient cost assumes 20% coinsurance after deductible is met. Actual cost depends on your specific plan, deductible status, and network.

Cost Range Across Hospitals

Min: $325 Max: $7,271
Medicare: $191 Avg: $2,156
Grade A (≤2x Medicare) Grade B (2–3x) Grade C (3–5x) Grade D/F (5x+)

What This Procedure Typically Costs by Facility Type

Hospital
117 providers
$325 — $7,271 | Avg: $2,156 (11.3x Medicare)

Find Providers Near You for This Procedure

Showing 10 lowest-markup providers nationally across hospitals, surgery centers, and imaging centers. Enter ZIP code to compare local providers side by side.

Provider Type Location Grade Charge Benchmark Markup
SAINT THOMAS HICKMAN HOSPITAL Hospital CENTERVILLE, TN F $325 $191
Medicare OPPS
 1.7x
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Albuquerque Hospital ALBUQUERQUE, NM N/A $344 $191
Medicare OPPS
 1.8x
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Wichita Falls Hospital WICHITA FALLS, TX N/A $578 $191
Medicare OPPS
 3.0x
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Erie Hospital ERIE, PA N/A $603 $191
Medicare OPPS
 3.2x
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Smith Hospital FORT SMITH, AR N/A $749 $191
Medicare OPPS
 3.9x
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Miami Hospital MIAMI, FL N/A $780 $191
Medicare OPPS
 4.1x
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Tallahassee Hospital TALLAHASSEE, FL N/A $804 $191
Medicare OPPS
 4.2x
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota Hospital SARASOTA, FL N/A $843 $191
Medicare OPPS
 4.4x
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Largo Hospital LARGO, FL N/A $872 $191
Medicare OPPS
 4.6x
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley Hospital SEWICKLEY, PA N/A $908 $191
Medicare OPPS
 4.8x

What Is a Fair Price for This Procedure?

Medicare pays $191 for MRI Neck Spine W/O Dye (CPT 72141). This rate is set by CMS based on the actual cost of delivering the procedure, including physician time, overhead, and equipment. It's the most reliable national benchmark for what the procedure is worth.

A hospital charging $381 (2x Medicare) or less earns an A billing grade — these are the most fairly priced facilities for this procedure. The national average charge is $2,156 (11.3x Medicare).

If your bill shows more than $572 (3x Medicare) for this procedure, it may be worth reviewing the charges carefully. Upload your bill to check →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does MRI Neck Spine W/O Dye cost so much more at some hospitals than others?
Hospital charges for MRI Neck Spine W/O Dye (CPT 72141) vary dramatically—sometimes by 10x or more—because hospitals set their own gross charges independently. Medicare pays $191 for this procedure based on actual delivery costs, but hospitals are not required to match that rate. The national average charge is $2,156. Using a price transparency tool helps you find a fairly priced facility.
Can I shop around for MRI Neck Spine W/O Dye if my doctor ordered it?
Yes. As long as the same CPT code (72141) is billed, the ordering physician does not need to be at the same facility that performs the scan. You can call hospitals and freestanding imaging centers to ask for their cash price or expected out-of-pocket cost before scheduling. Freestanding imaging centers typically charge significantly less than hospital outpatient departments.
What should I do if I received a bill for MRI Neck Spine W/O Dye that seems high?
Compare the charge on your bill to the Medicare reference rate of $191. If the hospital billed more than $381 (two times Medicare), you may be able to negotiate. Request an itemized bill, check for duplicate charges, and ask whether a prompt-pay or financial hardship discount applies. You can also upload your bill to BillKarma for a free automated review.

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