CPT 72148: MRI Lumbar Spine Without Contrast
CPT 72148 reports magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spinal canal and contents without contrast material. It is the most common MRI for low back pain, radiculopathy, and suspected disc herniation. In 2026 Medicare pays about $191.72 for the global service, split into a professional (modifier 26) and technical (modifier TC) component.
- Code type
- MRI, lumbar spine, without contrast
- 2026 Medicare (global)
- $191.72
- Components
- Professional (26) + Technical (TC); PC/TC indicator 1
- Global period
- XXX (concept does not apply)
What is CPT 72148 used for?
CPT 72148 reports magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spinal canal and contents, without contrast material. It is the go-to study for persistent low back pain, sciatica or radiculopathy, suspected disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and cauda equina evaluation. "Without contrast" is the default; if gadolinium is given, the study becomes 72149 (with contrast) or 72158 (without and with contrast).
Selecting the right contrast variant is where lumbar MRI coding goes wrong. The order and the radiology report must agree on whether contrast was administered, because 72148, 72149, and 72158 pay very different amounts.
How much does 72148 pay in 2026, and how does the 26/TC split work?
The 2026 national Medicare allowed amount for the global study is about $191.72. Because 72148 has a PC/TC indicator of 1, that global fee divides into a small professional component and a large technical component — the scanner and magnet time dominate the cost.
| Component | Modifier | Covers | Approx. 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional | 26 | Radiologist interpretation and report | ~$47 |
| Technical | TC | Scanner, magnet time, technologist, overhead | ~$145 |
| Global | (none) | Both, same entity | ~$191.72 |
The two components always sum to the global figure. For a locality-specific number, use the Medicare fee calculator.
Does 72148 require prior authorization and medical necessity?
Example: a hospital acquires a lumbar MRI on an outpatient with six weeks of failed conservative care. The hospital bills the technical side through OPPS, and the radiologist bills 72148-26 for about $47. Before any of that, the ordering practice usually had to clear a prior authorization.
- Confirm the plan's advanced-imaging prior-auth rule and obtain the number before scheduling.
- Document conservative treatment failure and neurologic findings to satisfy medical necessity.
- Match the diagnosis to the applicable LCD or NCD coverage criteria.
How does 72148 fit the lumbar MRI family?
Lumbar MRI codes differ only by contrast protocol, and the report must state exactly which was performed.
- 72148 — lumbar MRI without contrast.
- 72149 — lumbar MRI with contrast.
- 72158 — lumbar MRI without and with contrast.
The professional and technical split works the same across all three — see modifier 26 and modifier TC. Coverage and authorization rules are governed by the payer's LCD versus NCD policy.
Frequently asked questions
The 2026 national Medicare allowed amount for the global lumbar MRI is about $191.72. Because most of that value is technical (the scanner, magnet time, and staff), the technical component dwarfs the professional interpretation. Medicare pays 80 percent after the deductible; the patient or secondary owes the 20 percent coinsurance on the allowed amount.
Append modifier 26 when a radiologist interprets a lumbar MRI acquired at another facility — the professional component. Append modifier TC when your imaging center owns the scanner and acquires the study but an outside radiologist reads it. Bill 72148 global only when the same entity owns the equipment and interprets the study, which is common in a freestanding imaging center with staff radiologists.
Very often, yes. Advanced imaging like MRI is a leading target for radiology benefit managers, and most Medicare Advantage and commercial plans require prior authorization for 72148. Traditional Medicare does not require prior auth but expects documented conservative treatment failure and a coverage-supported indication. Verify the payer rule before scheduling.
Sources & further reading
Reviewed by the ImmediCare Solutions RCM team
Certified billers and coders handling claims across 50+ specialties nationwide. This entry is reviewed against current payer policy and CMS rules. Last review: Jul 5, 2026.
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