CPT code 72148: Lumbar spine MRI, without contrast2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in Baltimore area, MD

In Baltimore area, MD, Medicare pays $203.52 for 72148 in the office.

Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 72148 nationwide

Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.

What 72148 covers

This MRI evaluates the lumbar vertebrae, discs, spinal canal, conus and cauda equina, and neural foramina without administering contrast. It can assess persistent low back pain with radicular symptoms, suspected disc herniation or stenosis, and nerve root compression; it may also help with preoperative planning. Primary care, orthopedic, spine surgery, neurology, and pain management clinicians order the study. MRI technologists acquire the images in hospital outpatient departments, imaging centers, or physician offices, and a radiologist typically interprets them.

Report 72148 for a lumbar MRI acquired without contrast; when both noncontrast and post-contrast lumbar images are acquired, report 72158 instead of separate codes. The order, imaging protocol, contrast administration record, and signed interpretation should support the lumbar region and noncontrast technique. Modifier 26 identifies interpretation alone; modifier TC identifies equipment and staff services. Report the global service without either modifier when the same billing entity provides both portions. For multiple eligible diagnostic imaging studies furnished to the same patient on the same day, Medicare’s multiple procedure reduction affects both professional and technical components of the lower-valued service.

This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.

How Baltimore area, MD compares for 72148

Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 72148 runs from $170.32 in Arkansas to $257.47 in San Benito County, CA. Baltimore area, MD pays $203.52. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.

Every other payment area

72148 rates by state

Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.

See 72148 in every payment locality

How the 72148 rate is calculated

Each of 72148’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.

Payment rules and modifiers for 72148

The CMS indicators that decide how 72148 is paid alongside other services.

What modifiers do to the payment

When to use modifier 26

Codes related to 72148

Related codes aren’t interchangeable: bill the code that matches the service performed.

How 72148 has changed in Baltimore area, MD

Price 72148 for an earlier date of service

Where the Baltimore area, MD rate applies

Baltimore area, MD is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 100 cities and communities in Maryland. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.

• Baltimore
• Aberdeen
• Aberdeen Proving Ground
• Abingdon
• Annapolis
• Annapolis Neck
• Arbutus
• Arden on the Severn

Browse all communities in Maryland

Where these rates come from

FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.

CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027

Open CMS sourceHow we calculate rates