72148 MRI lumbar spine without dye
Also known as: lumbar spine MRI, L-spine MRI noncontrast, lumbosacral imaging, MRI lumbar spine without contrast, MRI L-spine
Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine without intravenous gadolinium contrast medium. Excellent soft tissue contrast for evaluation of lumbar discs, spinal cord, and nerve roots.
In Plain Language
lower back spine scan without dye; lumbar MRI imaging
Clinical Context
Most commonly used MRI study for low back pain, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy. Standard of care for detailed lumbar pathology evaluation.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.44 |
| Total RVU | 1.44 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
Radiology codes require a written order, clinical indication, and a formal interpretation report. The professional component (modifier -26) and technical component (modifier -TC) may be billed separately.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.44, this code ranks in the 77th percentile among Radiology codes — 1.8x the median (0.81). The highest wRVU in this category is 11.57.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 72148?
CPT 72148 (MRI lumbar spine without dye) is a Radiology code. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine without intravenous gadolinium contrast medium. Excellent soft tissue contrast for evaluation of lumbar discs, spinal cord, and nerve roots.
Who uses CPT code 72148?
CPT 72148 is used by Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Physiatry. Most commonly used MRI study for low back pain, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy. Standard of care for detailed lumbar pathology evaluation.
When is CPT 72148 used?
Most commonly used MRI study for low back pain, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy. Standard of care for detailed lumbar pathology evaluation.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.