An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a powerful yet noninvasive imaging device or scan. One study reveals that approximately 36 million MRI procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2017. An MRI uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed 3D images of inside your body. Your healthcare provider may order an MRI to help detect and diagnose diseases or monitor treatments.
The price of an MRI can vary depending on the part of the body scanned, your health insurance, and the location of the service. Below, we’ll review the various costs to consider if your health care provider recommends an MRI.
Reading: How much does it cost for an mri without insurance
what factors affect the cost of an MRI?
Several factors can affect the cost you’ll pay for an MRI, including the following:
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type of health insurance: Depending on your insurance benefits, the cost of an MRI can range from a flat copay to a percentage of the total bill.
in-network providers vs. in-network providers. Out-of-Network – Providers in your network can only charge the contracted rate that was negotiated with the insurance company. this rate is usually much lower than the out-of-network or out-of-pocket costs you would pay without insurance.
Type of scan: Doing an open MRI is less expensive than a traditional or closed MRI. an MRI with contrast also costs more.
body area being scanned: MRI prices can also vary based on body parts. For example, a brain scan may cost more than a knee scan because it requires more detailed analysis by a specialized doctor.
Location of service (inpatient vs. outpatient): Location can affect cost. Having your scan at an independent MRI center usually costs less than a hospital scan, since independent centers are cheaper to administer.
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region of the country: Your city, state, or area of the country can affect your MRI costs.
sedatives: Claustrophobic individuals may need a sedative, which can add additional drug costs. the type of sedation required (oral, intravenous conscious sedation, or general anesthesia) will affect costs. xanax, phenobarbital, and fentanyl are examples of sedatives a doctor may prescribe to reduce pain and anxiety during an MRI.
radiologist reading: There may be an additional charge for a radiologist to review and interpret your results.
what is the average cost of an MRI?
a report shows that the target “fair price” for an MRI is around $750. however, the actual price you can pay may be as low as “no charge” with the proper insurance benefits. on the other hand, it can be several thousand dollars without any insurance.
The target “fair price” can increase significantly depending on the body part to be scanned. A head-to-toe MRI may be used. Some common body parts that are candidates for an MRI include:
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abdomen
arm
brain
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breasts
bones
hip
joints
knee
leg
pelvis
shoulder
spinal cord
Below are some examples of a healthcare market of average MRI costs based on location on the body.
You’ll also need to adjust the average cost for the cost of medications you may need. for example, the average cost of an MRI may increase if you require oral, intravenous, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia. oral sedatives require the least supervision. an intravenous sedative must be administered by a nurse. higher doses of IV sedation/anesthesia should be supervised by an anesthesiologist. each level of monitoring increases spending.
If your doctor recommends an MRI, you should check out the costs involved so you don’t have to deal with surprise bills later.
how much does an MRI cost without insurance?
One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of your MRI is whether you have insurance. people without health insurance have to bear the full cost of the MRI. that means the scan will ultimately cost you more money out of pocket.
You can ask your health care provider about the following financing options to lower your up-front costs:
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assistance programs
discounts
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medical payment plans
You may receive two separate bills for an MRI: one from the facility and one from the radiologist. billing will depend on your health care provider and the location you choose for your services. MRIs in emergency rooms are typically more expensive than elsewhere. For example, an MRI might cost $4,000 at a hospital emergency room and only $400 at a nearby imaging center.
If you want to lower your overall costs, ask your doctor if you can explore the following options:
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independent image center
outpatient clinic
urgent care
These options are usually the most affordable. however, you need to do your research and ask the right questions to ensure you get the quality of care you need.
the american college of radiology offers a search tool to help you find imaging centers in your area. Radiology Assistance, a national program that gives underinsured people access to affordable MRIs and other imaging procedures, notes that an uninsured person should expect to pay an average cost of around $2,000 for an MRI.
Does health insurance cover the full cost of an MRI?
Imaging tests such as MRIs are usually covered in part by health insurance. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if MRIs are covered and how much your insurance will cover. you may still find some out-of-pocket costs. but there are some health plans that will cover 100% of the costs of your MRI, depending on your employer.
For example, the New York Health Benefits Program offers several health plans that cover licensed MRI scans at no charge. It’s also important to check with your health plan and determine if an MRI requires a referral or if prior authorization or prior authorization is necessary.
How much can you expect to pay out of pocket for an MRI?
Even with insurance, you may need to pay a deductible before insurance will put money toward the cost of an MRI. In addition, you may be responsible for other costs, such as a copay (flat rate) or coinsurance (your percentage after insurance pays).
If you’re concerned about costs, talk to your health care provider about your options. You can also use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Savings Account (FSA) to help lower your out-of-pocket expenses.
Does Medicare cover MRI?
Usually, Medicare Part B covers 80% of an authorized test, including MRI. therefore, you may still have out-of-pocket costs. these may include a copay, coinsurance, or deductible.
However, some health insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans that pay 100% of all covered services, including MRI.
Although Medicare may cover your MRI, you should know the requirements before moving forward. For example, the MRI must be medically necessary, ordered by a Medicare doctor, and performed at a facility that accepts Medicare.
if contrast is used, how does it affect the cost of an MRI?
Contrast is a special dye used to enhance the MRI image. Your doctor may order an MRI with contrast to get a better picture of any abnormalities in your body. however, adding the dye can result in an additional charge of around $110 to $310 for your MRI.
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