Search thousands of topics on CostHelper

BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> babies & children  cars  consumer electronics health & personal care home & garden personal finance  pets  schools small business sports weddings
CostHelper > Health & Personal Care  > Tests, X-Rays & Imaging > Open MRI

Open MRI Cost


How Much Does an Open MRI Cost?

 
average costWith Health Insurance: $20-$100+ Copayhigh costWithout Health Insurance: $1,000-$5,000

Unlike a traditional MRI in which patients are confined in a tube-like space, an open MRI is wider and does not enclose a patient, allowing him or her to see the technician and the room. It is often recommended for patients who struggle with claustrophobia, obese patients, or patients whose joints are being examined for range of motion. Historically, open MRIs have proven less powerful than traditional MRIs, since they have lower magnetic fields, but newer models can provide high quality images.

Typical costs:

  • An open MRI typically costs about as much as a conventional MRI, about $1,000-$5,000. The cost depends on such factors as the body part being scanned and a patient's geographical location.
  • An open MRI, when deemed medically necessary, is typically covered by health insurers just as a regular MRI would be. If deductibles are met, typical out-of-pocket costs for insured patients consist of a copay for the doctor's visit and possibly a copay for the MRI. For example, under a First CarolinaCare[1] copay plan, the visit copay would be $20 and the MRI copay $100.
Related articles: CT Scan, X-Ray, MRI, Health Insurance

What should be included:
  • Prior to the scan, the patient will need to remove any jewelry or clothing containing metal. Once the MRI technologist has positioned a patient, the patient will be asked to try to remain as still as possible. The scan typically lasts 30-60 minutes, but may take longer. The MRI technologist will be able to forecast how long the imaging will take ahead of time.
  • ● St. John Providence Health System in Warren, MI, offers a detailed overview[2] of the procedure.
Additional costs:
  • It's estimated that five to 10 percent of patients need a contrast solution, or special dye injected into the body, to further enhance the scan. The solution typically costs about $100-$300 extra.
Discounts:
  • Some diagnostic imaging centers offer discounted prices from about $380-$560, depending on geographic location. For example, at Lexington Diagnostic Center & Open MRI in Lexington, KY, scans of the spine range from $393-$650, including a radiologist's fee. However, these centers typically cater to patients who pay cash and do not use health insurance.
Shopping for an open mri:
  • The American College of Radiology has a search tool[3] on its website to help patients find accredited hospitals, clinics or health centers that perform MRIs in their area.
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.
 
post Post   Comments (1)  
CostHelper News


7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013


7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013

‣ All CostHelper Blog Posts


What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
Open MRI
Amount: $231.00 not covered by insurance
Posted by: Christine Smith in Tigard, OR.Posted: November 23rd, 2021 07:11PM
Insurance Carrier: ProvidenceProvider:
Paid cash up front before procedure
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam


 

Comment On Your Experience With an Open MRI
 
Subject:  *
Amount Spent:  * not covered by insurance
Insurance Carrier: Provider: 
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.
 



External Resources:
  1.  www.firstcarolinacare.com/brokers/copay_deductible.htm
  2.  www.stjohnprovidence.org/OpenMRI/PatientInformation/
  3.  www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Accreditation/Accredited-Facility-Search
More Health & Personal Care Topics
Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost? How Much Does Medical Marijuana Cost? How Much Do Braces Cost?

Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com

 
Today's Featured Cost Articles

About CostHelper
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community
UTI urgent care visit
Paid: 147.00
Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more]
-nervouschomper
Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost
Spanish Medical Interpreter
Paid: 150.00
I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more]
-Gregory Richardson
Interpreter Cost
Dat
Paid: 495.00
This is how much I am paying... [more]
-Calista Christian
Dental Admission Test Cost
Shingrix
Paid: 48.00
... [more]
-Not that BB
Shingles Vaccine Cost
Skin prick allergy test
Paid: 573.00
Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more]
-D’s mom
Allergy Testing Cost
Estimate for Teeth Cleaning Cat
Paid: 0.00
13 year old cat …teeth extractions, X-rays, blood work, anesthetic, cleaning estimate 2 to 3 thousand... [more]
-Terrimarie
Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost