Summary & Overview
CPT 72148: MRI of Lumbar Spine Without Contrast
CPT code 72148 is a widely utilized billing code for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine without the use of contrast material. This diagnostic radiology procedure is essential for evaluating a range of spinal conditions, including low back pain, disc displacement, spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, and ligament sprains. The code is most frequently billed in outpatient hospital settings, reflecting its role in routine and urgent diagnostic workups.
Major national payers, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare, provide coverage for this procedure, making it a cornerstone in spine imaging reimbursement and policy discussions. Readers will gain insight into clinical indications, typical billing practices, and relevant modifiers associated with 72148. The publication also highlights related codes, such as 72149 for MRI with contrast, and outlines the taxonomies pertinent to radiology and neuroradiology specialties.
This summary offers a comprehensive overview of benchmarks, policy updates, and clinical context for 72148, equipping stakeholders with the information needed to understand its significance in diagnostic imaging and medical billing. The analysis is designed for a national audience, focusing on payer coverage, clinical relevance, and procedural details.
CPT Code Overview
CPT code 72148 represents magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spinal canal and contents without contrast material. This procedure is classified under diagnostic radiology (diagnostic imaging) procedures of the spine and pelvis. It is commonly performed in an outpatient hospital setting (Place of Service 22), where advanced imaging technology is used to evaluate the lumbar region for a variety of clinical indications. The MRI provides detailed images that assist clinicians in diagnosing conditions affecting the lower spine and its surrounding structures.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient presents to an outpatient hospital setting with persistent low back pain, radiculopathy, or symptoms suggestive of lumbar spinal stenosis or disc displacement. The ordering physician, often a neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, or primary care provider, requests a lumbar spine MRI without contrast to evaluate the spinal canal and its contents. The radiology department schedules the procedure, and a radiologist interprets the images to assist in diagnosis and management. This workflow is typical for diagnostic imaging of the lumbar spine in cases of suspected disc pathology, nerve impingement, or ligament injury.
Coding Specifications
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Modifiers:
26- Professional Component: Used when only the interpretation of the MRI is performed by the radiologist.TC- Technical Component: Used when only the technical aspect (equipment, technician, etc.) is billed.59- Distinct Procedural Service: Used to indicate a distinct service from other procedures performed on the same day.76- Repeat Procedure by Same Physician: Used when the same physician repeats the MRI procedure.
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Provider Taxonomies:
| Taxonomy Code | Specialty Name |
|---|---|
2085R0202X | Radiology, Diagnostic Radiology |
2085N0700X | Radiology, Neuroradiology |
2085B0100X | Radiology, Body Imaging |
These taxonomies represent providers specializing in diagnostic imaging, neuroradiology, and body imaging, all of whom may perform or interpret lumbar spine MRI procedures.
Related Diagnoses
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M54.5- Low back pain- Relevant for patients presenting with lumbar pain, often prompting MRI to assess for structural causes.
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M51.26- Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region- Indicates disc pathology in the lumbar spine, commonly evaluated by MRI.
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M48.06- Spinal stenosis, lumbar region- MRI is used to assess narrowing of the spinal canal and nerve impingement.
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M54.16- Radiculopathy, lumbar region- MRI helps identify nerve root compression or irritation in the lumbar spine.
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S33.5XXA- Sprain of ligaments of lumbar spine, initial encounter- MRI may be ordered to evaluate ligament injury or rule out associated structural damage.
Related CPT Codes
72149- Magnetic resonance (e.g., proton) imaging, spinal canal and contents, lumbar; with contrast material
72149 is used when the lumbar spine MRI is performed with contrast material. It is an alternative to 72148 when contrast is clinically indicated, such as for further evaluation of masses, infection, or post-surgical changes. These codes are not typically billed together for the same anatomical region in a single session, but may be used sequentially if both non-contrast and contrast studies are required.
National Reimbursement Benchmarks
National mean rates for CPT code 72148 show a significant gap between Medicare and commercial payers. Medicare's mean rate is $132.88, while the average for BUCA (Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealth Group, Cigna, and Aetna) is $237.76, nearly 80% higher than Medicare.
Rate dispersion varies across payers. Cigna exhibits the widest spread, with a difference of $181.83 between its 75th and 25th percentiles, indicating substantial variability in contracted rates. In contrast, Aetna has the tightest range at $122.67, suggesting more consistent reimbursement levels. The table and chart below present the full breakdown of national benchmarks for each payer.
Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.