How Much Does an MRI Cost without Insurance?

How Much Does an MRI Cost without Insurance – Overview

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an effective, non-invasive imaging device. An MRI device uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce high-resolution 3D images of the inside of your body.

A doctor may recommend an MRI scan to detect and diagnose diseases and also to monitor treatment progress.

It is estimated that over 36 million MRI procedures are performed in the United States every year. The overall cost of an MRI varies greatly, depending on the location, health insurance coverage and the body part being scanned.

What Affects the Cost of an MRI Scan?

How Much Does an MRI Cost without Insurance – What Affects the Cost of an MRI Scan?

There are several factors that affect the price of MRI tests. These include:

#1. Type of health insurance – Depending on your specific policy’s benefits, the cost of an MRI test can vary from a fixed copay to a percentage of the overall bill.

#2. Network or outside – Providers within your insurance network can only charge the contracted rate as determined by the insurance provider. This rate is usually lower than the average cost of an MRI test.

#3. Type of MRI – Doing an open MRI is cheaper than a closed MRI test. An MRI scan with no contrast is more expensive.

#4. Targeted body area – MRI prices can also vary according to different parts of your body that are scanned. For instance, a brain MRI usually costs more than a knee MRI as the former requires a more detailed analysis from a specialist.

#5. Location – The city, state, and area of the country where you get an MRI test also affect the final cost of the scan.

#6. Sedatives – besides this, claustrophobic patients may need to be administered an anesthetic to prevent discomfort during the scan. This can also add significantly to the overall cost of an MRI scan.

#7. Radiologist reading – You may have to pay extra for a radiologist to review and interpret the results of the MRI test.

What Is the Average Cost of an MRI?

According to reports, the average cost of an MRI scan in the United States in 2022 is around US$ 750. However, the actual price you have to pay may be as low as ‘no charge’ with the right insurance. In contrast, the average cost of an MRI scan can be as high as several thousand dollars without insurance.

The average cost of MRI scans tends to vary remarkably according to the part of your body that needs to be scanned. An MRI scan can be a head-to-toe or specifically target a certain body part, such as:

Arm
Abdomen
Breasts
Brain
Bones
Joints
Hips
Knees
Legs
Shoulders
Pelvis
Spinal cord

Here is a short breakdown of the average cost of an MRI scan to target a specific part of the body:

MRI Scan Cost Table:

MRI Procedure	Average Cost
Bone	US$ 410 to US$ 2,100
Brain	US$ 1,600 to US$ 8,400
Cervical Spine	US$ 1,600 to US$ 8,400
Chest	US$ 500 to US$ 7,900
Neck	US$ 500 to US$ 11,800
Pelvis	US$ 500 to US$ 7,900

You will also need to consider the overall cost of medications that may be required to perform the MRI scan.

When your doctor recommends an MRI scan, make sure to inquire about the costs involved so you can determine the best, most affordable way to get the test done.

How Much Does MRI Cost without Insurance?

According to several studies, you should expect to pay as much as US$ 2,000 for an MRI scan without insurance coverage.

Insurance is one of the most important factors in determining the final cost of an MRI scan. People without insurance will have to bear the complete cost of the MRI test. This means that you will eventually end up paying the cost out of your pocket.

Fortunately, you can request your healthcare provider about reducing upfront costs through financial options, such as:

Discounts
Medical payment plans
Assistance programs

You may often receive two separate bills, one from the facility and another from the radiologist. The billing procedure will depend on your healthcare provider and the location you choose for the service. For instance, MRI scans in emergency rooms are usually more expensive than in other locations.

An MRI at a hospital ER could cost around US$ 4,000 while it may only cost around US$ 400 at an imaging center.

Conclusion

There are affordable options to choose from when you need to undergo an MRI scan without insurance. Make sure to consult with your healthcare provider for payment plans or discounts that you are eligible for.

Besides this, you can also compare the rates of different imaging centers near you and choose the most affordable one.

Reference links

https://policyadvice.net/insurance/guides/how-much-does-an-mri-cost-without-insurance/

https://www.talktomira.com/post/how-much-does-an-mri-cost-without-insurance-in-2021

https://www.newchoicehealth.com/mri/cost

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