Spinal MRI Cost

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

1.  www.webmd.com/brain/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri-of-the-spine
2.  www.aspirus.org/hospitalsClinics/index.cfm?catID=3&subcatID=19&pageID=736
3.  www.firstcarolinacare.com/brokers/copay_deductible.htm
4.  www.webmd.com/brain/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri-of-the-spine?page=2
5.  www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/propofol
6.  www.indymri.com/
7.  www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Accreditation/Accredited-Facility-Search

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