MRI Lumbar Spine with and without Contrast cost in Newport News, VA
Comparing 5 hospitals within 25 miles
Price range near Newport News
Sentara Leigh Hospital (4★) has the lowest price — $4,665 less than the most expensive option nearby.
Hospital prices near Newport News
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Before you schedule
Your lumbar spine MRI could cost anywhere from about $3,300 to $8,000 depending on which hospital you choose in Newport News—a difference that matters most if you're paying cash or have a high deductible. That 2.4x range is wide enough that calling ahead to confirm the exact price at your preferred location should take priority over everything else, since the same procedure can swing your out-of-pocket cost by thousands of dollars.
Before you book, call the imaging department billing office at whichever hospital your doctor referred you to and ask specifically for the cash price for a lumbar spine MRI with and without contrast. If that price is closer to the higher end, ask if they offer financial assistance based on your household income—some hospitals in your area do. If cost is the main factor, you have real room to shop: get the quote, then call one or two other hospitals' imaging departments with that number and ask if they can match or beat it.
Questions to ask when you call
Before scheduling, call the hospital's billing department. These are the exact questions that get you the answers you need.
"What is your cash price for MRI Lumbar Spine with and without Contrast?"
If you haven't met your deductible, the cash price may be lower than what your insurance negotiates. Many hospitals will honor their published cash price if you ask.
"What will my insurance plan pay for this, and what's my out-of-pocket?"
Get a written estimate. Ask them to include your deductible status and coinsurance percentage. This is called a "Good Faith Estimate" and you're legally entitled to one.
"Are there any other charges I should expect — radiologist, anesthesiologist, or facility fees?"
These prices are facility fees. Your doctor, radiologist, and anesthesiologist bill separately. Ask how much those could add.
MRI Lumbar Spine with and without Contrast costs $3,316 at Sentara Leigh Hospital (4-star CMS rating) and up to $7,981 at Southside Community Hospital, INC in Newport News, Virginia — a 2.4x difference for the same procedure across 5 facilities. The Virginia statewide average is $3,794.
About this market
Sentara Health operates 3 of 5 hospitals near Newport News (60%). Prices across their facilities are identical — comparison between them won't save you money.
Sentara Health's price of $3,316 is below the Virginia average of $3,794.
Fredericksburg, VA · 62 mi away · Mary Washington Healthcare · 2★
11 insurance plans. Cheapest: Sentara Health Plan. Most expensive: Cigna.
What else you should know
Children's hospitals
The following children's hospitals are listed separately because their pricing, patient mix, and quality benchmarks differ from adult facilities.
Surgery center alternatives
These ambulatory surgery centers are near Newport News. ASCs often perform outpatient procedures at lower cost than hospitals.
View full data table
| Facility | Cash Price | Gross Charge | Stars | Patient Rating | Ownership | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentara Leigh HospitalSentara Health | $3,316 | $6,631 | 4/5 | 76.0% | Nonprofit | 19.3 mi |
| Sentara Obici HospitalSentara Health | $3,316 | $6,631 | 4/5 | 73.0% | Nonprofit | 19.2 mi |
| Sentara Careplex HospitalSentara Health | $3,316 | $6,631 | 4/5 | 73.0% | Nonprofit | 8.1 mi |
| Chesapeake General Hospital | $3,989 | $6,649 | 3/5 | 67.0% | Local government | 24.3 mi |
| Southside Community Hospital, INC | $7,981 | $7,981 | 4/5 | 70.0% | Nonprofit | 18.2 mi |
Common questions
How much does MRI Lumbar Spine with and without Contrast cost in Newport News, VA?
MRI Lumbar Spine with and without Contrast costs between $3,316 and $7,981 at 5 facilities near Newport News, Virginia. The median price is $3,316. The Virginia statewide average is $3,794.
Which hospital is cheapest for MRI Lumbar Spine with and without Contrast near Newport News?
Sentara Leigh Hospital has the lowest published cash price at $3,316. It has a 4-star CMS quality rating and 76.0% patient satisfaction.
Does a cheaper hospital mean lower quality?
No. In Newport News, the lowest-priced facility (Sentara Leigh Hospital) has a 4-star CMS rating, while the highest-priced facility (Southside Community Hospital, INC) has a 4-star rating.
Where does this pricing data come from?
All prices are from each hospital's federally mandated machine-readable file under the CMS Hospital Price Transparency Rule (45 CFR Part 180). Quality ratings are from CMS Hospital Compare. We do not estimate prices. See full methodology →
How much can I save by choosing a different hospital?
The maximum savings for MRI Lumbar Spine with and without Contrast near Newport News is $4,666 — the difference between Sentara Leigh Hospital ($3,316) and Southside Community Hospital, INC ($7,981).
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Data compiled from 17 federal sources including CMS Hospital Price Transparency files, Hospital Compare, HCAHPS, and Medicare Cost Reports. Updated April 2026. Full methodology →