What is cash-pay healthcare?

Cash-pay healthcare means paying directly for medical services without using insurance. Many providers offer significant discounts — often 50–90% less than insurance billed rates — for patients who pay cash or by card at time of service.

How does MarketCare work?

MarketCare aggregates transparent cash-pay prices from 100+ Austin healthcare providers. Search for a procedure, compare prices and MarketCare Scores, then book directly with the provider. No middleman, no surprises.

Do I need insurance to use MarketCare?

No insurance is required. MarketCare is designed for self-employed, uninsured, and underinsured patients who want transparent pricing. All listed prices are cash-pay rates.

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Bones & JointsCommon

MRI (Lumbar Spine)

Code: 72148

MRI scan of the lower back/lumbar spine

back MRIspine MRIlumbar MRIlower back MRI

Best Cash Price

$264

at Radiology Assist - Austin

vs. St. David's Medical Center· CMS data

$1,547Save 83%

✓

Price Verified

Updated Feb 2026 · Source: provider website

Quick Facts

Code

72148

Find the Best Price

Compare providers and save on this procedure.

Compare Providers

Price Comparison

Real prices from Austin providers — sorted cheapest first.

Provider	Price	Verified
Best Radiology Assist - Austin Central Austin	$264	Feb 2026	View →
Central Park Imaging Central Austin	$425	Feb 2026	View →

vs. Hospital Prices

What Austin hospitals charge for the same procedure (CPT 72148)

CMS Transparency Data

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You could save $1,283 (83%)

Radiology Assist - Austin charges $264 vs. St. David's Medical Center's cash rate of $1,547.

Radiology Assist - Austin$264

St. David's Medical Center$1,547

Hospital	Cash Price	Ins. Avg
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin Austin, TX · 2025	$1,389	$834
St. David's South Austin Medical Center Austin, TX · 2025	$1,423	$856
St. David's Medical Center Austin, TX · 2025	$1,547	$892

Hospital

Cash Price

Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin

Austin, TX · 2025

$1,389

St. David's South Austin Medical Center

Austin, TX · 2025

$1,423

St. David's Medical Center

Austin, TX · 2025

$1,547

📋 Source: CMS Hospital Price Transparency Rule data & NewChoiceHealth.com Austin market data. Hospital cash prices reflect self-pay / uninsured rates. Insurance avg = typical negotiated rate. Data current as of 2025.

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Telehealth Alternative

❌ In-Person Only

This procedure requires hands-on care and cannot be performed remotely. However, you may be able to get an initial consultation or follow-up via telehealth.