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 |  | With Health Insurance: $20-$100 Copay |  | Without Health Insurance: $1,000-$5,000+ |
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Magnetic resonance imaging uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images of the body. MRIs are used to detect abnormalities, infections, injuries, tumors and other medical problems. In some cases, an MRI can produce clearer images than an X-ray or CT scan. Most MRIs are typically covered by health insurance when deemed medically necessary. If deductibles are met, typical out-of-pocket cost consists of copays of $20-$100 for the doctor visit and for the procedure.
Typical costs: |
- A spinal MRI is used to find various spinal problems, including nerve damage or tumors. It typically costs $1,000-$5,000, depending on the part of the spine being scanned and whether the procedure is performed in a hospital or physician's office.
- A head MRI creates detailed images of the brain and surrounding nerve tissue to detect neurological diseases or disorders. It typically costs about $1,000-$5,500 or more, depending on the complexity of the condition being monitored and whether the procedure is performed in a hospital or physician's office.
- A cardiac MRI, which uses still or moving pictures of the heart and major blood vessels to diagnose coronary disease and other ailments, is considered a key test in assessing heart function. It typically costs about $1,000-$5,000, depending on the complexity of the condition being investigated, including a $100-$200 doctor's fee.
- A pelvic MRI is used to diagnose or monitor various types of pelvic diseases or to clarify results from other tests. It typically costs $1,000-$5,000, depending on the complexity of the condition being investigated and whether the procedure is performed in a hospital or physician's office.
- An open MRI is wider than an enclosed MRI and is often recommended for obese patients, those who struggle with claustrophobia, or patients whose joints are being examined. An open MRI typically costs about the same as a conventional MRI, about $1,000-$5,000, depending on the parts of the body being examined.
- An upright MRI allows patients to be scanned while standing or sitting, which can be helpful in diagnosing certain conditions. An upright MRI typically costs about the same as a conventional MRI, about $1,000-$5,000, depending on the parts of the body being examined.
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 the 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.
- WebMD offers a detailed overview of MRIs[1] .
Additional costs: |
- An estimated 5%-10% 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 of about $380-$560, depending on geographic location. However, these centers typically cater to patients who pay cash and do not use health insurance.
Shopping for an mri: |
- The American College of Radiology has a search tool[2] to help patients find accredited hospitals, clinics or health centers in their area that perform MRIs.
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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.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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| Posted by: William Kisse in Rockville, MD. | Posted: April 18th, 2019 04:04AM |
| Medical Center: Washington Open MRI | Insurance: Self-Pay |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: 450.00 |
This is a self-pay cost for an MRI of the lumbar spine. |
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| Posted by: lvkriz in Iowa City, IA. | Posted: March 22nd, 2019 01:03PM |
| Medical Center: UIHC | Insurance: Medica |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: 2943.15 |
Medica negotiated down the price by $2662.85 but since I $7,200 deductible I still have to pay and I have been paying - most of retirement money goes to pay my medical premiums and what the insurance doesn't cover. |
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| Posted by: Hardware in Milwaukee, WI. | Posted: January 9th, 2019 04:01PM |
| Medical Center: Smart Choice MRI | Insurance: Anthem BCBS |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: 0 |
My ENT ordered a MRI of my internal auditory canals to make sure my tinnitus was not related to some sinister issue. I live a few miles from an Aurora hospital and called to request a quote. They were a bit defensive and it took them 2-3 days to call back with a quote of about $2,800. I ended up going to Smart Choice MRI in Milwaukee - I got in for the scan within 48 hours and the total charge - including the radioligist fee was $600. State of the art equipment and they results are read by radiologists at the Cleveland Clinic - a top rated institution. |
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| Posted by: delila in Elgin, IL. | Posted: February 9th, 2018 10:02PM |
| Medical Center: www.parksideimaging.com | Insurance: |
They charge $350 for any part of the body. This price is for patients that do not have insurance |
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| Posted by: Barb D in Uniontown, PA. | Posted: July 30th, 2017 07:07PM |
| Medical Center: Cherrytree | Insurance: None |
I have no insurance and paid the full amount out of pocket. I think I got a better deal than most who have commented on here. Seems a lot of the copays were more than my total cost. My local hospital wanted over $2000. It really pays to shop around. The medical costs in this country are rapeing us. I need surgery that could cost up to $50,000, and had to borrow money to pay for the MRI since we are just above the annual income to get any help but still unable to purchase it for me since it is not affordable for both me and my husband to have it. So,No surgery for me,will just have to learn to live with the conic pain. |
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| Ankle MRI |
| Amount: $1,400.00 not covered by insurance |
| Posted by: Lynelle in Milwaukee, WI. | Posted: May 9th, 2017 06:05PM |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: Total cost $6,350 |
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
Recommend before surgery, cost was not disclosed. Cost $1000 more than the doctor and facility charge for a 2 hour surgery on both feet at Milwaukee surgical center. Feeling shocked and ripped off, but no one will discuss the outrageous cost, not Children's, not United Healthcare! Feeling disgusted with them both!! |
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| Cost of MRI |
| Amount: $11,500.00 not covered by insurance |
| Posted by: Donna C R in Shenandoah, TX. | Posted: April 24th, 2017 08:04AM |
| Medical Center: Vision Park Premier Imaging Center | Insurance: United Health Care |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: 11,500 |
The original cost was 47,000.00! I just got the bill a year later and because it was 'out of network' and my referring doctor didn't tell me and then I didn't get permission, that was the cost. |
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| Posted by: JulieHouston in Houston, TX. | Posted: March 4th, 2017 10:03AM |
| Medical Center: Memorial Hermann Hospital | Insurance: Community Health Choice |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: 277 |
Per hospital bill, total charge $ 3,565; insurance covered $3,288. |
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| Posted by: Lee ee in Winston-Salem, NC. | Posted: January 12th, 2017 05:01PM |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: $1200 |
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| Posted by: Deborah Hill in Green Valley, AZ. | Posted: December 2nd, 2016 04:12AM |
| Medical Center: Rapid sound Imaging, Green Valley, AZ | Insurance: Medicaid |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: $0.00 |
After reading these comments I feel like an asz for complaining about my health insurance. I have early onset osteoarthritis (for 15 years now) and bone spurs on my spine that are pinching nerves in my neck. This has been causing me constant muscle spasms in my neck and upper back for the last 8 years and I had to stop working as a home remodeler due to the pain. Thank you Jan Brewer for expanding Medicaid! |
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| Ankle MRI |
| Amount: $368.00 not covered by insurance |
| Posted by: Drew622 in Charleston, WV. | Posted: November 18th, 2016 07:11AM |
| Medical Center: CAMC | Insurance: HealthSmart-City of Charleston |
I personally think that I got a really good deal on my son's MRI. it was a $2,316.00 service and I am only paying $368. |
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| MRI |
| Amount: $7,731.00 not covered by insurance |
| Posted by: SUSAN 245 in Louisville, KY. | Posted: April 19th, 2016 01:04PM |
| Medical Center: Norton Healthcare | Insurance: Statefarm |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: 7,731.00 |
To be fair. After hearing the amount I told state farm to hold up on paying. I thought for sure it was a mistake. I know they happen all the time. I was a UR Nurse for a hospital in 1994. I reviewed Medicare and Medicaid charts and the fees for the Gov. in 1990's. This is out right robbery. This needs to be addressed. It has been happening for years. Why hasn't someone done something. We knew we had this problem years ago. It is a contest on who can charge the most. Hospital or insurance co. We are the ones loosing this battle. We are the ones paying for this.. When will it stop and who will step up and do something. Oh and just because you have insurance does not mean you are covered. In 1996 I was injured. Had 3 insurance co. None of them paid. Lost home of 25 years. Because you have insurance does not mean you are covered. It is the biggest scam we have going. Now we have a law on having both car and health insurance. But we are still paying for it... all of it... |
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| Posted by: DarlaD in Charleston, SC. | Posted: March 11th, 2016 07:03AM |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: 321 |
I have BC/BS Stsndard Option. I have a $350 deductible and a 15% copay in network. My insurance covers 85% of the allowable in network cost of the MRI after I meet my $350 deductible. The MRI of my knee had a CPT Code of 73721. The allowable cost was $488. Ask your provider to give you the CPT Code ahead of the procedure and then call your insurance to find out the benefit. Most providers will take cash around the same amount of their negotiated insurance payment if you are uninsured. You have to ask, "How much for cash?" |
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| MRI Heel |
| Amount: $395.00 not covered by insurance |
| Posted by: Zumba lady in Cincinnati, OH. | Posted: January 27th, 2016 09:01AM |
| Medical Center: Advanced Patient Imaging | Insurance: None |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: Blue Cross |
Went to Cincinnati Oh from Nashville, They were great, My scan and reading was $ 395. Cant beat the service |
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| Posted by: Barb/Santa Clarita in Los Angeles, CA. | Posted: January 20th, 2016 11:01AM |
| Medical Center: Advanced Imaging Center, Inc. | Insurance: $1679.57 |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: $739.13 |
I went in and filled out the paperwork but was told I would have to come back in an hour because they were backed up. They did not call me but said they did. The two male technicians were very nice. Was surprised it cost so much for the MRI. |
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| Posted by: Crystal moubray in San Antonio, TX. | Posted: November 30th, 2015 11:11AM |
1643.00 total cost
1243.00 covered in BCBS
400.00 coininsurance |
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| Posted by: Joseph Assmus in San Diego, CA. | Posted: October 1st, 2015 10:10PM |
| Medical Center: Sharp Reese Steeley (SRS) | Insurance: Sharp HealthPlan |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: $0 |
I've always had perfect experiences at the Miramar SRS Imagaing center. It's all based upon the 'Sharp Experience' where each and every Sharp employee aims at providing you with the BEST healthcare experience. And at SRS Miramar, they accomplish just that. As a brain cancer patien, I go there annually and actually look forward to seeing my pals there. (As a former sharp employee, I admit my bias). |
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| Posted by: Carol Karp in Charlotte, NC. | Posted: June 2nd, 2015 01:06PM |
| Medical Center: Novant Health | Insurance: BCBS SC |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: 1064.00 |
Dr. sent me to have MRI on my left knee with contrast because of pain. Hospital charged 7,777.92 for all in. Insurance paid 6,713.92. Why is an MRI so expensive? I've paid a lot less a few years back. This is outrageous!!! Why do we let them get away with this????? |
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| Posted by: oa in orlando in winter park, FL. | Posted: May 17th, 2015 04:05PM |
| Medical Center: florida hospital | Insurance: umr |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: 1000.00 deductible |
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| Posted by: No Mercy At Mercy Hospital! in Berryville, AR. | Posted: April 3rd, 2015 08:04AM |
| Medical Center: Mercy Hospital Berryville AR | Insurance: UHC |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: 1502 |
Was quoted $700 by the hospital upon arrival. Was billed $2,140, with a $644 reduction by the insurance agreement, leaving a $1502 balance, more than twice what we were quoted. Their only answer? It was "just an estimate", and pay in full or we turn you over to collection. They tried to say the $700 "estimate" was based on our 20% co-pay, but that doesn't compute, as 20% of the fee charged would have been only around $400! Our insurance company "health care cost estimator" shows we should have been charged between $731 and $981 for the procedure. Note the year is off, as the site only let us select 2014, not 2015. |
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| Posted by: Jeannie Steigler in Redlands, CA. | Posted: February 18th, 2015 09:02AM |
| Medical Center: Redlands California | Insurance: CDPHP |
my daughter is out of network. We have an HMO in Troy NY but she is a student in California. |
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| Posted by: Daniweb in Irvine, CA. | Posted: January 21st, 2015 04:01PM |
| Medical Center: Memorial Care Imaging | Insurance: |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: No Insurance |
I'm a 62 year old woman who needed the above procedure. I cannot pay the least expensive insurance at $633.00 per month so I opted not to have health insurance. Memorial Care was professional, reasonably priced and did an excellent job. Good luck to all. |
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| Posted by: c.gregson in west covina, CA. | Posted: December 14th, 2014 01:12PM |
| Medical Center: San gabriel diagnostic imaging | Insurance: |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: 2000.00 |
This is a scam place they said they got a clear picture i asked before i left after fifteen min i reach the physical therapy office and not it was clear they wanted to charge me agian and come back same thing agian lied to may face and then said i was difficult. so i guess my scan is not clear but im still getting surgery for some reason the person reading it said i was fine .. they made phoney bill saying my scan was billed on the same day .. pieced together a paper to make it my finacial responsiblity i never signed that paper it was fraud.. so i contend how would they know if they charge 2000.oo and give you no complete clean scan when do realize that the machine is broken.. i didnt move and they forgot me under the machine they were haveing a party the first time ..90 plus for an elbow i say something fishy if you charge someone that amount of money and not produce what i came for correctly something off.. |
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| Posted by: Floored in MS in Gulfport, MS. | Posted: November 7th, 2014 12:11AM |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: $3,500 |
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| Posted by: Dr Rice at Beaver Medical in Redlands, CA. | Posted: July 4th, 2014 08:07PM |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: 0 |
Migraines for 19 years. Neorologist said I needed MRI. Insurance (united health care) just came back saying they will not cover the MRI of the head and my MRI came back abnormal! What the #%£!! Insurance needs to be held accountable for our health care. |
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| Posted by: Janie D in Milwaukee, WI. | Posted: March 8th, 2014 06:03AM |
| Medical Center: Froedtert Medical College | Insurance: United Healthcare |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: 319.80/$162 |
MRI Amount billed by hospital $9025.82!!!!!
January 2014
CT FH- outpatient - billed $5146.50
Patient responsibility $162
This is absolutely insane! |
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| Posted by: Paul Thomas in Lebanon, OR. | Posted: December 4th, 2013 10:12AM |
| Medical Center: Northwest MRI | Insurance: Self Pay |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: 1,125.00 |
I had back pain and no insurance. Longview WA wanted $6000.00 plus a charge for reading the two MRI's. I drove 300 miles round trip to Lebanon OR and saved $5000.00 plus.
No script needed, make appointment and let them do the work. Found out what I needed to find out. Good place to go. They raised their price a little but are still the best price around. |
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| Posted by: K.W. in Bozeman, MT. | Posted: September 23rd, 2013 01:09PM |
| Amount Not Covered by Insurance: $161 |
I went in expecting to pay 20% of $1600. Hospital was straightforward and gave me a bill before the procedure in case I wanted to opt out. My insurance didn't allow them to charge $1600, only $850,so I paid the 20% of $850. This sounded like an unbelievable deal to me but it was true! TGF good insurance! |
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| Posted by: Jim S. in Overland Park, KS. | Posted: February 7th, 2012 04:02PM |
| Medical Center: Diagnostic Radiology Institute | Insurance: NONE! |
This is a great place that really was a life saver. Needed a lumbar MRI. Had no insurance but my doctor gave me a script. Called this place and was amazed at the price versus what I would have paid had insurance. |
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| Posted by: Audra in milwaukee, WI. | Posted: February 6th, 2012 11:02AM |
| Medical Center: st. Lukes Aurora | Insurance: Allegiance |
Our insurance gave us an EOB yesterday the MRI is going to cost us $2700.00 and the contrast dye was $600.00 so in total a 45 minute brain MRI with contrast dye at Aurora St. Lukes in Milwaukee, WI is $3300.00 with Allegiance Medical Insurance. |
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| Posted by: Audra in Milwaukee, WI. | Posted: January 24th, 2012 04:01PM |
| Medical Center: St. Lukes Aurora | Insurance: 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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| Posted by: sad in nj in hackettstown, NJ. | Posted: January 4th, 2012 07:01PM |
| Medical Center: HACKETTSTOWN DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING | Insurance: 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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| Posted by: Al in DFW in Dallas, TX. | Posted: October 18th, 2011 03:10PM |
| Medical Center: Gateway Imaging in Dallas | Insurance: none |
No Insurance, Self pay. $500. MRI of my brain for pituitary gland tumor. rnYou have to shop around and not use major medical centers. MRI through hospital would of been $7500. |
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| Posted by: TPDunn in York, PA. | Posted: August 31st, 2011 08:08AM |
| Medical Center: York, Pa | Insurance: 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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| Posted by: Sand Blaster in Chippewa Falls/Eau Claire, WI. | Posted: July 15th, 2011 04:07AM |
| Medical Center: St Josephs Hospital and Medical xray con | Insurance: |
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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External Resources: |
- www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri
- www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Accreditation/Accredited-Facility-Search
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