Heart Valve Replacement vs MRI Spine (Lumbar)
Medicare Cost Comparison 2025
Quick Answer
Heart Valve Replacement: $80,000 total · Medicare pays $64,000 · Patient pays $16,000
MRI Spine (Lumbar): $1,400 total · Medicare pays $1,120 · Patient pays $280
Cost Comparison
| Metric | Heart Valve Replacement | MRI Spine (Lumbar) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Average Cost | $80,000 | $1,400 |
| Medicare Pays | $64,000 | $1,120 |
| Patient Pays | $16,000 | $280 |
| Category | hospital | imaging |
FAQ
What is the cost difference between Heart Valve Replacement and MRI Spine (Lumbar)?
Heart Valve Replacement costs $80,000 on average, while MRI Spine (Lumbar) costs $1,400 — a difference of $78,600.
How much does Medicare pay for Heart Valve Replacement vs MRI Spine (Lumbar)?
Medicare typically pays $64,000 for Heart Valve Replacement (patient owes $16,000). For MRI Spine (Lumbar), Medicare pays $1,120 (patient owes $280).
What is Heart Valve Replacement?
Surgical replacement or repair of a malfunctioning heart valve.
What is MRI Spine (Lumbar)?
Magnetic resonance imaging of the lower spine.