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 |  | With Health Insurance: $20-$100+ Copay |  | Without Health Insurance: $1,000-$5,000 |
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A spinal MRI[1] is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed pictures of the discs and nerves of the spine. It may be used to detect problems such as infection, nerve damage, or a tumor, or to clarify results from other tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan. The test is non invasive and does not use radiation.
Typical costs: |
- A spinal MRI typically costs about $1,000-$5,000, depending on such factors as the area of the spine being scanned, whether the procedure is performed in a hospital or a physician's office, and a patient's geographical location. For example, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital[2] in Wisconsin, a basic spinal MRI without contrast (a special dye delivered by IV) costs about $3,03 -$3,290, while at the Pacific Alliance Medical Center in Los Angeles it costs $2,554-$3,115.
- A spinal MRI, when deemed medically necessary, is typically covered by health insurance plans. 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[3] copay plan, the visit copay would be $20 and the MRI copay $100.
Related articles: CT Scan, X-Ray, Brain MRI, Health Insurance
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What should be included: |
- Prior to the scan, the patient will need to remove any jewelry or clothing containing metal. 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 scan typically lasts 30-60 minutes, but may take longer. Because of the time and positioning required, patients should have the ability to lie flat for that time.
- Patients can expect to hear loud noises from the machine, but many MRI departments offer earplugs to block the sounds.
- WebMD offers a detailed overview[4] of the procedure.
Additional costs: |
- About one in 20 patients feel claustrophobic or anxious inside a traditional MRI machine and require a mild sedative such as propofol (Diprivan)[5] , which can cost about $125 - -$400.
- It's estimated that 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 from about $380-$560, depending on geographic location. These typically apply to patients who pay cash or use credit and do not use health insurance. For example, the imaging center MRI Solutions[6] in Indianapolis offers an MRI of any one region of the body for a flat fee of $450.
Shopping for a spinal mri: |
- The American College of Radiology has a search tool[7] on its website to help patients find accredited hospitals, clinics or health centers that perform MRIs in their area.
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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 |
| Posted by: Stacey C in St Louis, MO. | Posted: August 26th, 2019 05:08PM |
| Insurance Carrier: UHC | Provider: St Louis Childrens Specialty Care |
The total charged was $15554. Insane in the tube for an hour and 15 minutes. and charged for 4 separate MRIs. |
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| Posted by: a user in Morton Grove, IL. | Posted: January 11th, 2019 07:01PM |
| Insurance Carrier: Self-pay | Provider: |
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| Posted by: SIMONA in LOS ANGELES, CA. | Posted: September 14th, 2017 03:09PM |
| Insurance Carrier: ANTHEM | Provider: CEDARS-Sinai Hospital LA |
CEDARS -Sinai charged $5007 insurance, which negotiated the price $503.65. Insurance paid $3.65 and I should pay $500.00. Cheaper if I go outside hospital. |
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| Posted by: Make Medical Costs Transparent in Columbus, OH. | Posted: August 8th, 2017 07:08PM |
| Insurance Carrier: Anthem BCBS | Provider: Nationwide Children's |
I knew when they charged me for parking, and then we walked in and the place was enormous and very expensively decorated, that the price would be high. I wish we had walked out and found somewhere that is more reasonably priced. I'm sorry, but that price is outrageous. I do not want to pay for your hospital to have all that fancy, expensive decor. What a waste! |
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| Posted by: Yvone in Chicago, IL. | Posted: June 23rd, 2017 12:06PM |
| Insurance Carrier: aetna | Provider: http://www.mrilincolnimaging.com/ |
I have Aetna but I did not use it due to my high deductible. I paid directly without insurance and it came out to $350 |
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External Resources: |
- www.webmd.com/brain/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri-of-the-spine
- www.aspirus.org/hospitalsClinics/index.cfm?catID=3&subcatID=19&pageID=736
- www.firstcarolinacare.com/brokers/copay_deductible.htm
- www.webmd.com/brain/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri-of-the-spine?page=2
- www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/propofol
- www.indymri.com/
- www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Accreditation/Accredited-Facility-Search
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