Blood Culture vs MRI Spine (Lumbar)
Medicare Cost Comparison 2025
Quick Answer
Blood Culture: $50 total · Medicare pays $40 · Patient pays $10
MRI Spine (Lumbar): $1,400 total · Medicare pays $1,120 · Patient pays $280
Cost Comparison
| Metric | Blood Culture | MRI Spine (Lumbar) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Average Cost | $50 | $1,400 |
| Medicare Pays | $40 | $1,120 |
| Patient Pays | $10 | $280 |
| Category | lab | imaging |
FAQ
What is the cost difference between Blood Culture and MRI Spine (Lumbar)?
MRI Spine (Lumbar) costs $1,400 on average, while Blood Culture costs $50 — a difference of $1,350.
How much does Medicare pay for Blood Culture vs MRI Spine (Lumbar)?
Medicare typically pays $40 for Blood Culture (patient owes $10). For MRI Spine (Lumbar), Medicare pays $1,120 (patient owes $280).
What is Blood Culture?
Laboratory test to detect bacteria or fungi in the blood.
What is MRI Spine (Lumbar)?
Magnetic resonance imaging of the lower spine.