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CostHelper.com > Health & Personal Care  > MRI

MRI Cost

How Much Does an MRI Cost?

low cost With Insurance: CoPays Usually Around $120
low cost Without Insurance: Usually $1,100-$2,700
 
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images of the body, especially the brain, neck, spinal cord and soft tissues. The MRI is used to detect a number of medical problems, including abnormalities, infections, injuries and tumors. In some cases, MRIs can obtain clearer images than X-rays or CT scans can.
 
Typical costs:
  • For a patient not covered by health insurance, the typical cost of an MRI ranges from about $1,100 to $2,700, depending on whether the MRI is performed at a doctor's office or hospital and on what part of the body the MRI is done. For example, according to the BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Health Care Cost Estimator, an MRI done in a doctor's office ranges from $1,100 to $1,485, while an MRI done in a hospital ranges from $1,458 to $2,090. And, at the Tulane University Hospital and Clinic, a patient would pay between $1,369 and $2,623 with an uninsured discount. And at the Kapiolani Medical Center, in Aiea, Hawaii, the charge for a brain MRI would be about $934 if paid within 30 days and $1,090 if paid within 90 days.
  • The MRI, when ordered by a doctor, would be covered by almost all health insurance plans as a medically necessary diagnostic tool.
  • For patients covered by health insurance, if deductibles are met, typical out-of-pocket cost for an MRI would be a copay for the doctor's visit and possibly a copay for the MRI. For example, on a First CarolinaCare copay plan, the visit copay would be $20 and the MRI copay $100.
What should be included:
  • First, the patient must remove all jewelry or clothing containing metal. If a contrast solution is needed, it will be given by IV. Then, the patient will be asked to lie on a moveable table that slides into a tunnel surrounded by a magnet, where radio waves are broadcast to create a three-dimensional image of the body.
  • The Mayo Clinic offers an overview of an MRI.
  • The MRI procedure can last anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour, depending on how many images are needed, and the patient must remain very still while each image is being created.
Additional costs:
  • If a contrast solution is used, it can cost about $100 to $300 extra.
  • About one in 20 patients feel claustrophobic or anxious inside the MRI machine and require a mild sedative to keep still.
Discounts:
  • Some diagnostic imaging centers offer discounted prices from about $380 to $560, depending on geographic location. These apply to patients who pay cash and do not use health insurance.
Shopping for an mri:
  • For most patients, there are no known risks of having an MRI. But patients who have an implanted defibrillator or pacemaker should not receive an MRI because it can interfere with the devices' functioning, nor should anyone with a cochlear implant or clips used on brain aneurysms. And pregnant women should not have MRIs because the risks to fetuses are unknown. If contrast material is used, there is a small risk of an allergic reaction or a very rare complication, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
  • Typically, your doctor will do the MRI or refer you to a hospital or other facility. But if you tell your doctor you are concerned about price, you can probably get a list of facilities and call to check prices.
  • Or, Medical Discounts International has imaging center locations in 11 states.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
 
Article updated January 2009
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
brain scan
Amount: $1,600.00
Posted by: milton in greensboro, NC.Posted: February 9th, 2009 08:02AM
Medical Center: hospitalInsurance: good
Went to Radiology depart at a teaching hospital w 525 beds. Appoint was for 4pm, did not get test started until 6;30,completed test around 700 pm. Several stat paitents from ER had to go ahead of me that limited avail. of RTs (radiological tech)I had no prob. getting a CD burned of my scans for my records. I would suggest that unless you want to wait, look for imaging centers. Also, the RT seemed to be quite opinionated regarding who should get an MRI-said women w potential breast tumors exempt from insurance payments for services. I suspect that this personal bias could have influenced my delay to some extent. I did not see any of the triaged patients transported in the direction of the MRI. There was some communication prob. at radiology depart. desk due to a "teaching " session between a department clerk and a student. Twice, I had to go to desk questioning the wait. Finally, they "relocated" me to a waiting room for MRI scan patients who are ambulatory. This is where i waited for 30 min. prior to the scan. I am a very patient person and have worked in the medical field. the procedure should have been for me to have waited in the seperate waiting room for the MRI scan/not the general area where there was a risk of germ contamination.
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MRI Overpriced
Amount: $3,794.58
Posted by: Larry Monske in Bremerton, WA.Posted: August 27th, 2009 02:08PM
Medical Center: Harrision MemorialInsurance: none
I had a stroke and was unconcious at the time. I have shrapnel in my body from Veitnam. As a precaution people with shrapnal in bodies arent supposed to have MRI. It tends to suck the shrapnal thru soft tissues and cartilage. Im now being sued for the cost of this procedure. Insurance that I had at the time didnt cover anything. That stroke cost me more than 15000 dollars and still being sued for balances. if any attorneys read this can ya help? I have never ever seen a copy of the MRI nor has VA ever recieved a copy that they requested.
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surPRICEd!!
Amount: $14,500.00
Posted by: Veronica in charlotte, NC.Posted: September 2nd, 2009 04:09PM
Medical Center: Levine Childrens HospitalInsurance:
My son has a developmental delay and a neurologist suggested the MRI... well... the results were normal (as we knew!) but now we received an invoice for almost 15,000. (The MRI they performed it was on the brain, with contrast, the baby had to be sedated, and had to spend an hour in a hospital bed -recovery room-)
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MRI Quality
Amount: $1,700.00
Posted by: Cheri B. in Merrillville, IN.Posted: September 5th, 2009 12:09PM
Medical Center: MRI Diagnostic & XRay CenterInsurance: none
When I made my appt.for the lumber MRI, the 1st thing they asked was "did I have insurance?" The actual cost of the MRI was approx. 2300.00, yet I rec'd a discount for being self-pay. They also offered a payment plan if I couldn't pay up front. The office staff was the best I have encountered and the equipment was state of the art. I was in and out within 30-45 min.
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2x MRI
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Jessi L in Kansas City, KS.Posted: December 10th, 2009 07:12AM
Medical Center: MidAmerica Neuroscience InstituteInsurance: United Healthcare
I had to have an MRI of the neck done on Tuesday, December 8th and I\'m having an MRI of my brain done today, December 10th. The MRI of my neck was long - an hour and a half- with contrast injection. However, the MRI tech was very kind and kept me calm during the procedure. Because I was referred by my GP, my insurance is covering the cost of the MRIs 100%.
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mri
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: brendathurman in uniongrove, AL.Posted: January 2nd, 2010 11:01PM
Medical Center: naInsurance: none
i need an mri from top to bottom and i have no insurance.
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Brain MRI -- Avoid Chicago
Amount: $5,400.00
Posted by: Tex in Chicago, IL.Posted: January 6th, 2010 06:01PM
Medical Center: Northwestern Memorial Hospital OutpatienInsurance: Professional Benefits Adminitrators
I feel like I got socked twice -- firstly, the cost seems inflated. Secondly, my insurance only covered 80% (after I met a costly deductable, of course). A test case in why we need health care reform.
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Brain MRI
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: Darktangent in Dayton, OH.Posted: February 3rd, 2010 11:02AM
Medical Center: Miami Valley HostpitalInsurance: United Healthcare
Normally it would have cost a $1000 deductible for a tier 1 hospital, and $2000 for a tier 2. Considering that without insurance it probably wouldn\'t have cost more than $2000, insurance seems worthless.
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Lower Back MRI
Amount: $1,900.00
Posted by: Practically Homeless in Toccoa, GA.Posted: February 28th, 2010 08:02PM
Medical Center: Stephens County Hsp.Insurance: Nope
Told em' up front before MRI that I could not pay and could not promise to ever pay, and if service was performed it would be pure indigent care. They did the MRI and sent me a bill. Replied with repeat of what I told them before MRI, and told them never to bill me again. We'll see...
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east shanghai MRI costs
Amount: $80.00
Posted by: BBKBBK in Shanghai, Other.Posted: March 15th, 2010 08:03PM
Medical Center: East ShanghaiInsurance:
the cost was 80usd for the MRI and 12 usd for the Film, thank God for the Chinese Government supporting the people of China and the expats. We even get Chinese social security as of this year.
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lower back MRI
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Ola in Richmond, VA.Posted: April 5th, 2010 03:04PM
Medical Center: don't know yetInsurance: Aethna Open Access
I wanted to know from my insurance how much the MRI will cost me so I can be prepared for the cost of the service. They told me the price is confidential, they can not tell me. Can you belive it?!!!! I will be paying for the service and I cannot know the price before the service
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concussion
Amount: $2,186.00
Posted by: a user in Omaha, NE.Posted: April 7th, 2010 11:04AM
Medical Center: Univ Ne Med CtrInsurance: Yes
Mri on head and neck. Billed $8477.66
insurance covered $6291.66
I am suppose to cover $2186 out of pocket.
Something is seriuosly wrong here.
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Lower Back MRI
Amount: $550.00
Posted by: Bert in Garden Grove, CA.Posted: April 25th, 2010 12:04PM
Medical Center: Garden Grove Medical CenterInsurance: No
I think I was lucky to spend on the lower end of the scale for an MRI on my back. I have a bulging disc between L5 and S1. (Which is still driving me nuts) My Chiropractor was able to negotiate me a better deal because I paid cash.
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Over priced MRI
Amount: $5,696.00
Posted by: Paul Aubert in Santa Rosa, CA.Posted: May 20th, 2010 10:05AM
Medical Center: Sutter HospitalInsurance: United Health
My doctor sent me for a brain MRI scan with dye to check the pituitary gland. Sutter billed $5696 for the procedure, ins covered $3484, my bill $2121!!! I came to this blog as I was checking for comperative pricing. This bill is outrageous... Shop around before you book..My doctor's office is affiliated with Sutter. Really???
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Great Prices on MRI's
Amount: $600.00
Posted by: T W in Knoxville, TN.Posted: June 29th, 2010 06:06PM
Medical Center: Samaritan DiagnosticsInsurance: Self Pay
Samaritan Diagnostics has prices around the $600 range for MRI's. They contract with providers around the country for people without insurance and for people with high deductibles. My dad saved $600 on a 24 hour holter monitor with them.
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Insurance Rip Off
Amount: $9,300.00
Posted by: Ripped off in Philly in Philadelphia, PA.Posted: October 19th, 2010 05:10AM
Medical Center: University of PennsylvaniaInsurance: Personal Choice
Abdominal MRI. Insurance paid for it but the bill was absurd. If an MRI machine costs $1 mill and they perform 8 procedures a day for $2K each the machine is paid for in 63 days.

The cost of the equipment obviously plays no role in the fees my insurance company paid. I could go on but what is the point? Our medical care system is broken.
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Lumbar spine MRI
Amount: $10,800.00
Posted by: Back Pain Sufferer in san pedro, CA.Posted: December 8th, 2010 12:12PM
Medical Center: Little Co of MaryInsurance: SCAN
MRI of spine - cost was $10,800+ but I only paid $78.00 and insurance picked up the rest. I'm fortunate that I have good insurance, however, I think the cost insurance paid was absurd.
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Brain Scan
Amount: $485.00
Posted by: M. Bender in Lebanon, OR.Posted: January 8th, 2011 08:01AM
Medical Center: Advanced ImagingInsurance: None
Recently opened Low Cost MRI center to assist those with no insurance. Routine MRI scans are done with no waiting for $485. It's about time somebody is doing something about the high cost of medial care! Highly recommend
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Lumbar MRI
Amount: $400.00
Posted by: Kevin from GA in Norcross, GA.Posted: February 2nd, 2011 07:02AM
Medical Center: Greater Georgia ImagingInsurance: none
Had an MRI done here. Really nice people, no wait and the results were ready the same day!
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MRI, Upper Extr Joint W/O Contrast
Amount: $1,223.00
Posted by: Mark Damon in Portland, OR.Posted: February 14th, 2011 09:02PM
Medical Center: Siker Imaging, LLCInsurance: Blue Shield Blue Cross
1223.00 Total Cost
629.19 Insurance paid
483.52 Patient Balance
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Abdominal MRI with contrast
Amount: $522.00
Posted by: Daivd in Los Angeles, CA.Posted: March 5th, 2011 12:03PM
Medical Center: Ceader Sinai HospitalInsurance: Anthem PPO
MRI with contrast $6420
Discount $1200
Insurance paid $4700
Coinsurance $ 520
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Lumbar
Amount: $797.00
Posted by: Ms Sherri in Decatur, GA.Posted: March 11th, 2011 03:03PM
Medical Center: Dekalb MedicalInsurance: MVP Healthcard
Had not met $2400 deductible
Cost to me was $797
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Back MRI
Amount: $7,190.00
Posted by: Darryl in Nashville, TN.Posted: March 22nd, 2011 12:03PM
Medical Center: Skyline Medical Nashville TNInsurance: Southern Benefits
Outrageous cost. I had asked about the cost when I went in and was assured it was under 3k the entire system is broken, I am communicating with my insurance carrier now, the hospital will do nothing.
I do not mind paying a fair cost but a 20 minute test should in no way cost 7k. If they ran it around the clock the machine will generate 2 Billion per year at that rate. I understand the machines cost about 1 million. This is just a Total Outrageous Ripoff. There is no way to justify such actions by a medical facility, these are supposed to be people that we can place our trust in. THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IS BROKEN.
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Emergency Room Visit - Outrageous Cost
Amount: $22,661.11
Posted by: BernJ in Richardson, TN.Posted: May 22nd, 2011 08:05AM
Medical Center: Medical City DallasInsurance: Yes
Cheaper to Die. I was admitted to the emergency room due to symptoms of a heart-attack, unable to communicate for approx. 4 hours and therefore feel I was taken advantage of---during the testing. Even more scarier was I do believe they mis-diagnosed after doing research, I think I had a blood clot (TIA) not transit global amnesia. Anyway upon receiving my bill with the testing and approx. 7 hours of observation it cost more than I paid for my vehicle. I almost had a heart attack when I received the bill and even questioned if it was mine, due to the fact when released another patients medical info was attached to mine. Just blood work was $3782.45, I'm 59 nine years old and rather fit, query why they checked me for drugs such as cocaine/meth/barb (drugs I probably would never recognized let alone use). Unbelievable!!!!! MRI was $12,207.95. I'm retired and have decent ins. but it scares me to death because I have no idea what my ins. co. will pay and whatever remains I will be responsible for---and yet those who are not even citizens can go in have babies, get sewn up, then leave and never pay. This is America or at least I thought it was. I've worked hard all my life and paid my taxes and hopefully have been a solid citizens, but I'm fed up with our political party in Washington always wanting to give handout to those who don't even belong here. It would be wonderful if someone had the guts to step-up to the plate and control these cost, it seems hospitals can charge whatever because there are no guidelines/rules. In addition to the above I was charged over $700.00 just for the ambulance service, hospital is approx. 12 minutes away. One pill cost $184.00 this is criminal. Sad and Sicker than before!!!! Please advise if there is any recourse in this situation.
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MRI
Amount: $7,234.00
Posted by: annie arch in LITTLETON, CO.Posted: June 20th, 2011 09:06AM
Medical Center: SWEDISH MED CENTRER DENVERInsurance: UHC
HAD A MRI FOR CANCER THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD BE ABOUT 4000 TOTAL.IT TOOK 20 MINUTES!IN,INSURANCE WIPED DISCOUNT OFF 2500 THEN AGAIN 2530 THEN INSURANCE PAID1900,I OWED 350$However I ran the numbers nothing would make sense.They are ripping us off!
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MRI Over Priced
Amount: $7,000.00
Posted by: Sand Blaster in Chippewa Falls/Eau Claire, WI.Posted: July 15th, 2011 04:07AM
Medical Center: St Josephs Hospital and Medical xray conInsurance:
My Podiatrist requested an MRI of my ankle (2 views)
The bill before Ins. 'discounts' was;
St. Joesephs Hospital (procedure): $6,127.06
(3126.56 + 3000.50)
Medical xray consultants (read MRI): $965.00
(474.30 + 490.70)
My "responsibility" after Ins. is;
Procedure: $1,090.52
Read MRI: $197.82
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Emergency Abdomen MRI
Amount: $330,000.00
Posted by: TPDunn in York, PA.Posted: August 31st, 2011 08:08AM
Medical Center: York, PaInsurance: BCBS of TX.
The insurance paid all be $9,000.00. Yes the numbers are correct and I am questioning it thru BCBS of TX. After reviewing some websites, this bill may have been for ALL the MRIs the Hospital did on that Friday night.
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MRI no insurance, Self Pay
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: Al in DFW in Dallas, TX.Posted: October 18th, 2011 03:10PM
Medical Center: Gateway Imaging in DallasInsurance: none
No Insurance, Self pay. $500. MRI of my brain for pituitary gland tumor. \r\nYou have to shop around and not use major medical centers. MRI through hospital would of been $7500.
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MRI KNEES --RIPPED OFF IN NJ
Amount: $5,000.00
Posted by: sad in nj in hackettstown, NJ.Posted: January 4th, 2012 07:01PM
Medical Center: HACKETTSTOWN DIAGNOSTIC IMAGINGInsurance: BC/BS
I was having surgery on my knees for osteoarthritis, my MD ordered both knees and sent me to the outpatient center at the Hospital. Got the bill for MRI $10,000.00 for both knees and to read the films another $2500. My wife worked for a facility a few years before and was floored..

My insurance paid $1500 for the reading and $3000 for the imaging with the explanation that they paid 70% of Usual and Customary based on $1500 per knee and I was responsable for 30% of that. When I called and questioned the bill they told me they never received the checks that I dropped off personally to the billing department and my insurance reissued the checks. So, now they are saying that I owe the $7,000.00 balance?? How do I fight this. I checked around and MRI joints range from $1200 to $2000 in my area. This place is a rip off and he owns all the facilities in my town.
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MRI - Brain Scan with contrast, took 45 mins
Amount: $5,952.88
Posted by: Audra in Milwaukee, WI.Posted: January 24th, 2012 04:01PM
Medical Center: St. Lukes AuroraInsurance: Allegiance
Husband went in for an MRI due to a suspected Pituitary Gland Tumor. (tumor was found although it was too small to require surgery; another MRI is scheduled in a year to see if it grows.) The total charge of an MRI with Contrast injection of the Brain was almost 6k. However, our health insurance has put off the process claims until they receive requested notes for the MRI service; I don't know why they "need" the notes but whatever... I don't know what the cost is going to be after our Insurance pays it's share. I'll probably update this. when we finally recieve an EOB of what exactly our out of pocket is going to be.

I just wanted to let any of you in the Milwaukee Area without insurance going in for a similar procedure that out of pocket NO insurance for an MRI is $5952.88 good luck out there to anyone who is need of reading this.
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