How Much Does an MRI Cost?

Determining the cost of your MRI scan

When it comes to buying a car, do you accept the first price a car dealer quotes, or do your research and negotiate with dealers to ensure you’re getting the lowest price possible?

Experience tells us that even cars of the same make, model, and year can have totally different costs from dealer to dealer. Though many innovations have empowered us when shopping for a car, we have unfortunately not had the same options when seeking medical care.

Until now, that is – with Medmo and their unique ability to help you determine how much an MRI will cost you and what you can do to reduce those costs.

Believe it or not, when it comes to getting a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the same scenario often plays out. Like cars, the same MRI can cost wildly different amounts depending on where you go and how much you shop around.

A test using the exact same machine on the same part of the body could cost $225 at one facility and $2,500 across the street. It sounds ludicrous, but it happens everywhere.

Oftentimes when your healthcare provider tells you that you need an MRI, they’ll ask their office staff schedule the appointment. Although this may seem helpful, your provider doesn’t usually know how much MRIs cost at different facilities. Without even realizing it, your doctor could inadvertently be sending you to a facility that charges $2,500 rather than $250.

You, however, can freely choose where to get your MRI done. You don’t have to go to the place your healthcare provider is affiliated with, suggests, or schedules on your behalf. Although your medical team will look out for your health, you have to look out for your wallet.

Instead, call around to local facilities that provide MRIs and ask for their price after network discounts. Keep in mind that free-standing radiology centers almost always offer better rates than hospitals, since they have much lower operating costs.

If you don’t have the time to call around, or if you’re getting quoted high prices, Medmo (www.medmo.com) can help secure the lowest possible cost for your next imaging scan. By selecting your scan type and entering your zip code, you’ll be given the average price in your area and be able to name the price that works for your budget. The Medmo team will then negotiate on your behalf and find a center that can honor your desired price.

Estimated MRI Imagery Cost Averages – Updated October 2018

Typical Costs for an MRI

• Average Direct Costs: $800 – $2,000
• Potential Costs After Shopping Around: $500 – $1,250
• Average Costs Using Medmo: $225 – $700 – Get started to check the price for your unique MRI needs – click here

Adding to the confusion of determining MRI cost averages is the specific needs you may have including the type of MRI prescribed, with or without contrast, etc.  The estimated provided above are based upon MRI cost estimates found in the New York City metropolitan area, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

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MRI Pricing Resources
Medmo MRI Pricing Research
Healthcare Bluebook – https://www.healthcarebluebook.com/
Time Magazine – http://time.com/money/2995166/why-does-mri-cost-so-much/

If you are looking to find the cost of a CT Scan click here to see our insights into the competitive nature of CT scan costs.  Also make sure to read our article about the differences between a CT scan and an MRI scan.

To book a scan, visit us at Medmo.com. Medmo helps people schedule radiology imaging tests – such as MRI, CT scans, PET, and more – at nearby accredited centers and identify the payment solution that works best for them.