Bone Scan vs MRI Spine (Lumbar)
Medicare Cost Comparison 2025
Quick Answer
Bone Scan: $1,000 total · Medicare pays $800 · Patient pays $200
MRI Spine (Lumbar): $1,400 total · Medicare pays $1,120 · Patient pays $280
Cost Comparison
| Metric | Bone Scan | MRI Spine (Lumbar) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Average Cost | $1,000 | $1,400 |
| Medicare Pays | $800 | $1,120 |
| Patient Pays | $200 | $280 |
| Category | imaging | imaging |
FAQ
What is the cost difference between Bone Scan and MRI Spine (Lumbar)?
MRI Spine (Lumbar) costs $1,400 on average, while Bone Scan costs $1,000 — a difference of $400.
How much does Medicare pay for Bone Scan vs MRI Spine (Lumbar)?
Medicare typically pays $800 for Bone Scan (patient owes $200). For MRI Spine (Lumbar), Medicare pays $1,120 (patient owes $280).
What is Bone Scan?
Nuclear imaging to detect bone abnormalities.
What is MRI Spine (Lumbar)?
Magnetic resonance imaging of the lower spine.