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    How much does an MRI scan cost?

    Posted by John Holden on Sun, Jan 04, 2009
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    gold coinsMRI scans are frequently ordered by doctors to look for and follow a variety of diseases. Over 26 million MRI scans are done every year at a cost of $18 billon. Although insurance covers most of the cost, with the growth of high deductible plans, higher copays, and catastrophe-only coverage, U.S. patients are increasingly paying more out of pocket for their medical care. And over 47 million uninsured people are faced with the full cost of an MRI if they need one.

    MRI prices are based on a number of factors:

    • body part being examined
    • need for contrast/dye injection
    • done at hospital or outpatient imaging center
    • local competition

    We decided to check our local MRI prices.

    We called 5 hospitals and 5 outpatient imaging centers in our area asking for the full price for an MRI of the Brain with dye. Two hospitals were unable to give us the price (didn't know!) and one outpatient center refused to divulge its cash prices over the phone. 

    MRI Price Range

    • Hospitals (3) - $1750 to $2200
    • Outpatient Imaging Centers (4) - $700-$1000

    We did not try to negotiate these prices during the first call. We called back and asked for a discount. Results:

    Negotiated MRI Prices

    Hospitals

    • Hospital 1 offered a 10% discount if paid in full
    • Hospital 2 offered to split payments in half
    • Hospital 3 asked us to "come to the Radiology department"

    Outpatient Centers

    • Outpatient center 1 refused to discount (price was $900)
    • Outpatient center 2 told us the "manager had to approve any discounts". We left a message but didn't hear back.
    • Outpatient center 3 gave us a 20% discount, reducing the price of the test from $1000 to $800.
    • Outpatient center 4 offered to give us a discount but only if we faxed in the doctor's order. 

    We got this price information and discounts but it took us some time:

    • Calls were made over a 3 day period
    • A total of 25 phone calls were made
    • We spent about 3 hours on the phone

    Decidedly non-scientific but very revealing. Getting prices for healthcare services can be daunting and bargaining for prices even harder. Fortunately there are websites (like ours) that are working hard to make prices easy to find and help you understand what you're paying for.

    FYI: You can look up our prices for MRI scans here.

    Have you tried shopping for an MRI? How much did you pay? Did ask for and get a discount? Leave your comments below.

    Tags: , ,

    COMMENTS

    I live in the Montreal,Quebec area (Deux-Montagnes) Would you please list local areas of contact and submit Prices of (MRI) for the Knee,Thankyou.

    posted @ Tuesday, March 03, 2009 2:02 PM by Robert Fordham


    Hi Robert, 
     
    At this time the RemakeHealth Radiology network is US based. But if any of our readers have tips for Robert, please post here!

    posted @ Wednesday, March 04, 2009 2:05 PM by Ravi Sohal


    My friend Sergio needs an MRI on his foot but has no insurance. Do you have any price guides for the Birmingham area?

    posted @ Tuesday, May 05, 2009 6:02 PM by Jason


    Hi Jason, 
     
    We're working on adding some more Radiology facilities, including some in Alabama. I'll check to see if we have any in the Birmingham area.

    posted @ Tuesday, May 05, 2009 6:23 PM by Ravi Sohal


    I need an MRI of my knee. I live in San Diego (north county) and have my own personal health insurance where I pay 40% and no deductible. How can I find an affordable MRI and does my dr have to let me go where I choose? Thanks, 
     
    Jacquie

    posted @ Saturday, June 27, 2009 10:27 AM by Jacqueline


    Hi Jacquie, 
     
    You can use our site - click on the home link or the red button "Shop Radiology" at the top right of this blog.  
     
    Yes, you have complete control over where you go. Keep in mind that you should confirm that the facility takes your insurance if you are going to use your insurance for the MRI.

    posted @ Saturday, June 27, 2009 5:20 PM by Ravi Sohal


    I live in West Palm Beach Flordia and my mother needs an MRI on her foot and she has no insurance. Whats the best way to handle the situation?

    posted @ Tuesday, June 30, 2009 2:12 PM by Will


    Hi Will, 
     
    Your mother will need an order from her doctor for the test. You can then shop around locally or use our site to shop and purchase the test. Once you purchase from our site, we work with your chosen facility and help your schedule the test. 
     
    Regards

    posted @ Tuesday, June 30, 2009 8:47 PM by Ravi Sohal


    Hi 
     
    If anyone in the UK wants an affordable MRi Scan I just used Vista Diagnostics. They offer single region mri scans from £250

    posted @ Friday, August 21, 2009 7:25 AM by Jason


    good article

    posted @ Thursday, September 17, 2009 9:38 PM by JANKI


    not sure how i stumbled onto this website but sure wish i had two months ago. I would prefer not to tell you the names of the facility's because I will be negotiating with the facility shortly for a discount. whatever you do check around for price of mri...i am truly a victim of the biggest rip off ever. had mri of a toe and was charged 2,700.00. i called another imaging center and was told the charge would be 425.00 cash!!!!!!!!! needless to say, my insurance company has already paid the first facility over 800.00 but they are coming after me for the balance. what a joke!!!!!!!!!!! for a toe!!!! do your homework and remember you do not have to get your mri done where your doc tells you; unless of course he wants to pay the bill.

    posted @ Thursday, October 29, 2009 10:58 PM by j meyers


    i need an MRI of my back and i don't have any insurance.how do i find an affordable mri scan in new york city area?

    posted @ Tuesday, December 15, 2009 10:36 PM by Angel


    why is a MRI scan more expensive at a hospital vs an outpatient center. Also, at the outpatient center I do not have to pay my deductible but at the hospital I do...I have looked into the quality of the exams and reads and I would rather have the exams done in the hospital but it costs so much more....why?? I reside in georgia.

    posted @ Thursday, January 28, 2010 9:43 PM by genia


    Hi Genia, 
     
    Hospitals have a lot more overhead and are less efficient with their resources. They also have more leverage with insurance companies and can charge higher prices. The quality is the same at both outpatient facilities and hospitals - the use the same machines and in many cases the same Radiologists.

    posted @ Thursday, January 28, 2010 11:53 PM by Ravi Sohal


    I have a friend, a pastors wife who needs a MRI of her brain. Having severe headache ans a heaviness one side of here head.Can you tell me what it will cost. They do not have the money to get here and pay for the test.Can you give some suggestions. 
     
    Thanks. 
     
    Barbara

    posted @ Friday, February 05, 2010 12:09 PM by Barbara


    Hi Barbara, 
     
    You can look up prices on the main websitewww.remakehealth.com or click on "Home" above in the navigation bar. Price will depend on your friend's location. If they are unable to pay for the test have they looked into state funded health care, generally for low income families? I wonder if our readers also have any suggestions...

    posted @ Friday, February 05, 2010 12:29 PM by Ravi Sohal


    can somebody please advice me that were the mri scan done in hyderabad in affordable prices and y its done my mother is suffering from back problem from 2 months and doctor had advice her to go for mri scan please advice me what to do if some body knows about this 
     

    posted @ Monday, March 01, 2010 10:49 AM by shruti


    MRI scan is under 200 euros in most european countries. Cheaper to fly to Europe round trip and get it done there and get a vacation at the same time.

    posted @ Monday, March 08, 2010 12:27 PM by Fred Bohm


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