Price Comparison Report
MRI Lumbar Spine without Contrast
Charlotte, NC · 15 facilities · CPT 72148 · September 06, 2026
Summary
15 facilities within 25 miles of Charlotte publish prices for MRI Lumbar Spine without Contrast. Cash prices range from $1,550 to $2,013 — a 1.3x difference for an identical procedure. The North Carolina average is $2,537.
$1,550
lowest
$2,013
highest
Best Value
Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
Charlotte, VA · Novant Health · 0.0 mi
$1,550
Cash price
4/5
CMS rating
65.0%
Patient satisfaction
Lowest price among hospitals rated 4 stars or above. Patient satisfaction: 65%. Cash price of $1,550 is below the statewide average of $2,537.
All facilities ranked by price
Complete facility data
| # | Facility | Cash Price | Gross Charge | Markup | CMS Stars | Patient Rating | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Novant Health Charlotte, NC · 0.0 mi | $1,550 | $3,101 | 2.0x | 4/5 | 65.0% | Nonprofit |
| 2 | Novant Health Rowan Medical Center Novant Health Salisbury, NC · 0.3 mi | $1,961 | $3,922 | 2.0x | 2/5 | 63.0% | Nonprofit |
| 3 | Atrium Health Lincoln Atrium Health Lincolnton, NC · 0.3 mi | $2,013 | $4,026 | 2.0x | 4/5 | 80.0% | Local government |
| 4 | Atrium Health Union Atrium Health Monroe, NC · 0.3 mi | $2,013 | $4,026 | 2.0x | 3/5 | 74.0% | Local government |
| 5 | Atrium Health Pineville Atrium Health Charlotte, NC · 0.0 mi | $2,013 | $4,026 | 2.0x | 3/5 | 72.0% | Local government |
| 6 | Carolinas Medical Center-northeast Atrium Health Concord, NC · 0.3 mi | $2,013 | $4,026 | 2.0x | 3/5 | 71.0% | Local government |
| 7 | Carolinas Medical Center/behav Health Atrium Health Charlotte, NC · 0.0 mi | $2,013 | $4,026 | 2.0x | 3/5 | 71.0% | Local government |
| 8 | Stanly Regional Medical Center Atrium Health Albemarle, NC · 0.3 mi | $2,013 | $4,026 | 2.0x | 3/5 | 71.0% | Nonprofit |
| 9 | Atrium Health University City Atrium Health Charlotte, NC · 0.0 mi | $2,013 | $4,026 | 2.0x | 3/5 | 66.0% | Local government |
| 10 | Atrium Health Cleveland Atrium Health Shelby, NC · 0.3 mi | $2,013 | $4,026 | 2.0x | 2/5 | 71.0% | Local government |
| 11 | Atrium Health Anson Atrium Health Wadesboro, NC · 0.3 mi | $2,013 | $4,026 | 2.0x | — | 81.0% | Local government |
| 12 | Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center Novant Health Charlotte, NC · 0.0 mi | — | — | — | 4/5 | 81.0% | Nonprofit |
| 13 | Novant Health Matthews Medical Center Novant Health Matthews, NC · 0.3 mi | — | — | — | 4/5 | 70.0% | Nonprofit |
| 14 | Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center Novant Health Huntersville, NC · 0.3 mi | — | — | — | 4/5 | 66.0% | Nonprofit |
| 15 | Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center Novant Health Charlotte, NC · 0.0 mi | — | — | — | — | 80.0% | Nonprofit |
Insurance negotiated rates by facility
The rates below are what each insurer has contractually agreed to pay this hospital for MRI Lumbar Spine without Contrast. Your actual out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible status and copay structure.
Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
Cash: $1,550| Insurance | Plan | Negotiated Rate | vs Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Blue Medicare | $232 | -$1,319 |
| Humana | Medicare | $232 | -$1,319 |
| Pace of the Southern Piedmont | All Plans | $232 | -$1,319 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Medicare | $232 | -$1,319 |
| Aetna | Medicare | $238 | -$1,313 |
| Cigna | HealthSpring | $239 | -$1,312 |
| Liberty Health | Medicare HMO | $243 | -$1,307 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Advantage65 | $399 | -$1,151 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueCare | $399 | -$1,151 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueMedicare HMO | $399 | -$1,151 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueMedicare PPO | $399 | -$1,151 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueSelect | $399 | -$1,151 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | HMO | $399 | -$1,151 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueOptions | $451 | -$1,100 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | CoverFL | $451 | -$1,100 |
37 additional plans not shown.
Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
Cash: $1,961| Insurance | Plan | Negotiated Rate | vs Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Blue Medicare | $232 | -$1,729 |
| Humana | Medicare | $232 | -$1,729 |
| Pace of the Southern Piedmont | All Plans | $232 | -$1,729 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Medicare | $232 | -$1,729 |
| Aetna | Medicare | $238 | -$1,723 |
| Cigna | HealthSpring | $239 | -$1,722 |
| Liberty Health | Medicare HMO | $243 | -$1,718 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Advantage65 | $399 | -$1,562 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueCare | $399 | -$1,562 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueMedicare HMO | $399 | -$1,562 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueMedicare PPO | $399 | -$1,562 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueSelect | $399 | -$1,562 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | HMO | $399 | -$1,562 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueOptions | $451 | -$1,510 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | CoverFL | $451 | -$1,510 |
38 additional plans not shown.
Atrium Health Lincoln
Cash: $2,013| Insurance | Plan | Negotiated Rate | vs Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humana | Medicare Advantage | $231 | -$1,782 |
| Aetna | Medicare Advantage | $235 | -$1,778 |
| Cigna | Medicare Advantage | $238 | -$1,775 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Medicare Advantage | $239 | -$1,774 |
| OrthoCarolina | Commercial | $283 | -$1,730 |
| Amerihealth Caritas | Managed Medicaid | $454 | -$1,559 |
| Alliance | Behavioral Health | $459 | -$1,554 |
| Carolina Complete Health | Managed Medicaid | $463 | -$1,550 |
| Healthy Blue | Managed Medicaid | $463 | -$1,550 |
| Wellcare | Managed Medicaid | $463 | -$1,550 |
| Partners | Managed Medicaid | $467 | -$1,546 |
| Vaya | Managed Medicaid | $467 | -$1,546 |
| Alliance | Managed Medicaid | $472 | -$1,541 |
| Trillium | Managed Medicaid | $476 | -$1,537 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Managed Medicaid | $670 | -$1,344 |
26 additional plans not shown.
Atrium Health Union
Cash: $2,013| Insurance | Plan | Negotiated Rate | vs Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humana | Medicare Advantage | $234 | -$1,779 |
| Aetna | Medicare Advantage | $238 | -$1,775 |
| Cigna | Medicare Advantage | $241 | -$1,772 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Medicare Advantage | $242 | -$1,771 |
| Ortho Carolina | Commercial | $287 | -$1,726 |
| Partners | Managed Medicaid | $523 | -$1,490 |
| Amerihealth Caritas | Managed Medicaid | $527 | -$1,486 |
| Alliance | Managed Medicaid | $533 | -$1,480 |
| Carolina Complete Health | Managed Medicaid | $537 | -$1,476 |
| Healthy Blue | Managed Medicaid | $537 | -$1,476 |
| Wellcare | Managed Medicaid | $537 | -$1,476 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Managed Medicaid | $540 | -$1,474 |
| Vaya | Managed Medicaid | $543 | -$1,470 |
| Trillium | Managed Medicaid | $554 | -$1,459 |
| Alliance | Behavioral Health | $623 | -$1,390 |
28 additional plans not shown.
Atrium Health Pineville
Cash: $2,013| Insurance | Plan | Negotiated Rate | vs Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humana | Medicare Advantage | $234 | -$1,779 |
| Aetna | Medicare Advantage | $238 | -$1,775 |
| Cigna | Medicare Advantage | $241 | -$1,772 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Medicare Advantage | $242 | -$1,771 |
| Ortho Carolina | Commercial | $287 | -$1,726 |
| Partners | Managed Medicaid | $403 | -$1,610 |
| Amerihealth Caritas | Managed Medicaid | $409 | -$1,604 |
| Alliance | Behavioral Health | $413 | -$1,600 |
| Carolina Complete Health | Managed Medicaid | $416 | -$1,597 |
| Healthy Blue | Managed Medicaid | $416 | -$1,597 |
| Wellcare | Managed Medicaid | $416 | -$1,597 |
| Vaya | Managed Medicaid | $420 | -$1,593 |
| Alliance | Managed Medicaid | $427 | -$1,586 |
| Trillium | Managed Medicaid | $429 | -$1,584 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Managed Medicaid | $602 | -$1,411 |
29 additional plans not shown.
Carolinas Medical Center-northeast
Cash: $2,013| Insurance | Plan | Negotiated Rate | vs Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humana | Medicare Advantage | $234 | -$1,779 |
| Aetna | Medicare Advantage | $238 | -$1,775 |
| Cigna | Medicare Advantage | $241 | -$1,772 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Medicare Advantage | $242 | -$1,771 |
| Ortho Carolina | Commercial | $287 | -$1,726 |
| Amerihealth Caritas | Managed Medicaid | $494 | -$1,519 |
| Alliance | Behavioral Health | $499 | -$1,514 |
| Carolina Complete Health | Managed Medicaid | $503 | -$1,510 |
| Wellcare | Managed Medicaid | $503 | -$1,510 |
| Healthy Blue | Managed Medicaid | $503 | -$1,510 |
| Partners | Managed Medicaid | $507 | -$1,506 |
| Vaya | Managed Medicaid | $508 | -$1,505 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Managed Medicaid | $513 | -$1,501 |
| Alliance | Managed Medicaid | $513 | -$1,500 |
| Trillium | Managed Medicaid | $519 | -$1,495 |
32 additional plans not shown.
Carolinas Medical Center/behav Health
Cash: $2,013| Insurance | Plan | Negotiated Rate | vs Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humana | Medicare Advantage | $234 | -$1,779 |
| Aetna | Medicare Advantage | $238 | -$1,775 |
| Cigna | Medicare Advantage | $241 | -$1,772 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Medicare Advantage | $242 | -$1,771 |
| Ortho Carolina | Commercial | $287 | -$1,726 |
| Molina | Managed Medicaid | $699 | -$1,314 |
| Amerihealth Caritas | Managed Medicaid | $878 | -$1,135 |
| Partners | Managed Medicaid | $886 | -$1,127 |
| Alliance | Behavioral Health | $887 | -$1,127 |
| Carolina Complete Health | Managed Medicaid | $894 | -$1,119 |
| Healthy Blue | Managed Medicaid | $895 | -$1,118 |
| Wellcare | Managed Medicaid | $895 | -$1,118 |
| Vaya | Managed Medicaid | $903 | -$1,110 |
| Aetna | North Carolina Preferred Plus Commercial | $906 | -$1,107 |
| Alliance | Managed Medicaid | $912 | -$1,101 |
34 additional plans not shown.
Stanly Regional Medical Center
Cash: $2,013| Insurance | Plan | Negotiated Rate | vs Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humana | Medicare Advantage | $234 | -$1,779 |
| Aetna | Medicare Advantage | $238 | -$1,775 |
| Cigna | Medicare Advantage | $241 | -$1,772 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Medicare Advantage | $242 | -$1,771 |
| Partners | Managed Medicaid | $483 | -$1,530 |
| Alliance | Behavioral Health | $484 | -$1,530 |
| Wellcare | Managed Medicaid | $488 | -$1,526 |
| Carolina Complete Health | Managed Medicaid | $488 | -$1,526 |
| Healthy Blue | Managed Medicaid | $488 | -$1,526 |
| Amerihealth Caritas | Managed Medicaid | $492 | -$1,521 |
| Vaya | Managed Medicaid | $492 | -$1,521 |
| Alliance | Managed Medicaid | $497 | -$1,516 |
| Trillium | Managed Medicaid | $502 | -$1,511 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Managed Medicaid | $707 | -$1,306 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Local Individual Commercial | $748 | -$1,265 |
31 additional plans not shown.
Atrium Health University City
Cash: $2,013| Insurance | Plan | Negotiated Rate | vs Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humana | Medicare Advantage | $234 | -$1,779 |
| Aetna | Medicare Advantage | $238 | -$1,775 |
| Cigna | Medicare Advantage | $241 | -$1,772 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Medicare Advantage | $242 | -$1,771 |
| Ortho Carolina | Commercial | $287 | -$1,726 |
| Partners | Managed Medicaid | $403 | -$1,610 |
| Amerihealth Caritas | Managed Medicaid | $413 | -$1,600 |
| Alliance | Behavioral Health | $417 | -$1,596 |
| Carolina Complete Health | Managed Medicaid | $420 | -$1,593 |
| Wellcare | Managed Medicaid | $420 | -$1,593 |
| Healthy Blue | Managed Medicaid | $420 | -$1,593 |
| Vaya | Managed Medicaid | $424 | -$1,589 |
| Alliance | Managed Medicaid | $429 | -$1,584 |
| Trillium | Managed Medicaid | $433 | -$1,580 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Managed Medicaid | $608 | -$1,405 |
32 additional plans not shown.
Atrium Health Cleveland
Cash: $2,013| Insurance | Plan | Negotiated Rate | vs Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humana | Medicare Advantage | $232 | -$1,782 |
| Aetna | Medicare Advantage | $235 | -$1,778 |
| Cigna | Medicare Advantage | $238 | -$1,775 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Medicare Advantage | $239 | -$1,774 |
| Partners | Managed Medicaid | $564 | -$1,449 |
| Amerihealth Caritas | Managed Medicaid | $568 | -$1,445 |
| Healthy Blue | Managed Medicaid | $579 | -$1,434 |
| Carolina Complete Health | Managed Medicaid | $579 | -$1,434 |
| Wellcare | Managed Medicaid | $579 | -$1,434 |
| Vaya | Managed Medicaid | $585 | -$1,428 |
| Trillium | Managed Medicaid | $596 | -$1,417 |
| Alliance | Managed Medicaid | $597 | -$1,416 |
| Alliance | Behavioral Health | $674 | -$1,339 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Managed Medicaid | $843 | -$1,170 |
| Aetna | North Carolina Preferred Plus Commercial | $906 | -$1,107 |
31 additional plans not shown.
Atrium Health Anson
Cash: $2,013| Insurance | Plan | Negotiated Rate | vs Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humana | Medicare Advantage | $234 | -$1,779 |
| Aetna | Medicare Advantage | $238 | -$1,775 |
| Cigna | Medicare Advantage | $241 | -$1,772 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Medicare Advantage | $242 | -$1,771 |
| Amerihealth Caritas | Managed Medicaid | $602 | -$1,411 |
| Alliance | Behavioral Health | $608 | -$1,405 |
| Partners | Managed Medicaid | $614 | -$1,399 |
| Wellcare | Managed Medicaid | $614 | -$1,399 |
| Carolina Complete Health | Managed Medicaid | $614 | -$1,399 |
| Healthy Blue | Managed Medicaid | $614 | -$1,399 |
| Vaya | Managed Medicaid | $620 | -$1,393 |
| Alliance | Managed Medicaid | $620 | -$1,393 |
| Trillium | Managed Medicaid | $632 | -$1,381 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Managed Medicaid | $890 | -$1,123 |
| Aetna | North Carolina Preferred Plus | $906 | -$1,107 |
27 additional plans not shown.
Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center
Cash: N/A| Insurance | Plan | Negotiated Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Blue Medicare | $232 |
| Humana | Medicare | $232 |
| Pace of the Southern Piedmont | All Plans | $232 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Medicare | $232 |
| Aetna | Medicare | $238 |
| Cigna | HealthSpring | $239 |
| Liberty Health | Medicare HMO | $243 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Advantage65 | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueCare | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueMedicare HMO | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueMedicare PPO | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueSelect | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | HMO | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueOptions | $451 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | CoverFL | $451 |
9 additional plans not shown.
Novant Health Matthews Medical Center
Cash: N/A| Insurance | Plan | Negotiated Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Blue Medicare | $232 |
| Humana | Medicare | $232 |
| Pace of the Southern Piedmont | All Plans | $232 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Medicare | $232 |
| Aetna | Medicare | $238 |
| Cigna | HealthSpring | $239 |
| Liberty Health | Medicare HMO | $243 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Advantage65 | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueCare | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueMedicare HMO | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueMedicare PPO | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueSelect | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | HMO | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueOptions | $451 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | CoverFL | $451 |
9 additional plans not shown.
Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center
Cash: N/A| Insurance | Plan | Negotiated Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Blue Medicare | $232 |
| Humana | Medicare | $232 |
| Pace of the Southern Piedmont | All Payer | $232 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Medicare | $232 |
| Aetna | Medicare | $238 |
| Cigna | HealthSpring | $239 |
| Liberty Health | Medicare HMO | $243 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Advantage65 | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueCare | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueMedicare HMO | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueMedicare PPO | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueSelect | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | HMO | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueOptions | $451 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | CoverFL | $451 |
9 additional plans not shown.
Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center
Cash: N/A| Insurance | Plan | Negotiated Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Blue Medicare | $232 |
| Humana | Medicare | $232 |
| Pace of the Southern Piedmont | All Plans | $232 |
| UnitedHealthcare | Medicare | $232 |
| Aetna | Medicare | $238 |
| Cigna | HealthSpring | $239 |
| Liberty Health | Medicare HMO | $243 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Advantage65 | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueCare | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueMedicare HMO | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueMedicare PPO | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueSelect | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | HMO | $399 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | BlueOptions | $451 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | CoverFL | $451 |
9 additional plans not shown.
Before you call
The data in this report is from each hospital's publicly filed prices. Here's how to use it.
Confirm the price
Call the hospital's billing department and ask for a price estimate or Good Faith Estimate for MRI Lumbar Spine without Contrast (CPT 72148). Under federal law, they must provide this. Compare it to the published price in this report.
Ask about cash pay
If you haven't met your deductible, ask for the cash/self-pay rate. At many hospitals, the cash price is lower than the insurance-negotiated rate. You can see this in the insurance table above — some negotiated rates exceed the cash price.
Compare before you schedule
You are not required to use the facility your doctor referred you to. You can request a referral to any in-network facility. The same procedure, same quality — sometimes at a fraction of the price.
Ask about financial help
Most nonprofit hospitals in Virginia offer financial assistance to patients based on household income. This is separate from insurance — even insured patients can qualify. Ask billing for their Financial Assistance Policy.
Financial assistance by facility
Nonprofit hospitals are legally required to have financial assistance programs. Below is what we know about each facility's charitable care.
| Facility | Status | Charity Care Provided | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center | Nonprofit | — | Call billing, request Financial Assistance application |
| Novant Health Rowan Medical Center | Nonprofit | — | Call billing, request Financial Assistance application |
| Atrium Health Lincoln | Local government | — | N/A (for-profit) |
| Atrium Health Union | Local government | — | N/A (for-profit) |
| Atrium Health Pineville | Local government | — | N/A (for-profit) |
| Carolinas Medical Center-northeast | Local government | — | N/A (for-profit) |
| Carolinas Medical Center/behav Health | Local government | — | N/A (for-profit) |
| Stanly Regional Medical Center | Nonprofit | — | Call billing, request Financial Assistance application |
| Atrium Health University City | Local government | — | N/A (for-profit) |
| Atrium Health Cleveland | Local government | — | N/A (for-profit) |
| Atrium Health Anson | Local government | — | N/A (for-profit) |
| Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center | Nonprofit | — | Call billing, request Financial Assistance application |
| Novant Health Matthews Medical Center | Nonprofit | — | Call billing, request Financial Assistance application |
| Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center | Nonprofit | — | Call billing, request Financial Assistance application |
| Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center | Nonprofit | — | Call billing, request Financial Assistance application |
What to do next
Data sources
Hospital prices
Published machine-readable files, required under CMS Hospital Price Transparency Rule (45 CFR Part 180)
Published machine-readable files, required under CMS Hospital Price Transparency Rule (45 CFR Part 180)
Quality ratings
CMS Hospital Compare, updated quarterly
CMS Hospital Compare, updated quarterly
Patient satisfaction
HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems)
HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems)
Financial data
CMS Cost Reports (charity care, revenue) and IRS 990 filings (officer compensation)
CMS Cost Reports (charity care, revenue) and IRS 990 filings (officer compensation)
This report is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Every price shown is a price a hospital published — not an estimate. Actual out-of-pocket costs depend on your insurance plan, deductible status, and clinical circumstances. Consult your healthcare provider and insurer before making decisions.