One of the first things many people wonder before scheduling a medical appointment is “how much will this cost me?” This is especially true for a highly technical exam like an MRI. While MRI procedures can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars, they are often covered by insurance. In some cases, if you don’t have insurance, there are effective ways to save money and help with the cost of an MRI.
What is an MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe and pain-free imaging technique that uses a combination of magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body. An MRI allows organs, muscles and other soft tissues to be easily viewed compared to a standard X-ray which only shows bones and joints.
There are two types of MRI: closed MRI and open MRI. The closed MRI has been around longer than the open MRI and is what most people think of when the word MRI first comes to mind. The design consists of a closed capsule where the patient lies completely still.
An open MRI is beneficial for those suffering from claustrophobia as it has the same technology as a closed MRI but gives the patient an open-air experience with open space in the front, back, and above. In an open MRI, patients can sit, bend, and even stand.
At American Health Imaging, we carry the open MRI and the wide-bore MRI which is similar to a closed MRI but with the added benefit of far more space inside.
Cost of an MRI
When it comes to the cost of an MRI, it depends on the specific type of exam and the area being imaged. Images of the limbs and abdomen tend to cost less than images of the spinal cord and brain. A knee joint can cost in the $700 range while a spinal MRI can cost anywhere from $1,000 to even $5,000. This all depends on your specific needs and where the image is being taken. Another cost factor to take into consideration is the location. Hospitals typically charge much more than standalone clinics due to overhead costs. When scheduling an MRI exam, you should always contact your insurance company to ensure your MRI exam is covered.
Reduce Your Out-of-Pocket MRI Cost
Healthcare costs are always rising, so it’s important to find the most affordable care that still gives you the highest quality technology but keeps your out-of-pocket costs low. The great thing about dedicated imaging centers is that quality alternatives from hospital MRI exams are offered all at a significantly lower price.
At American Health Imaging, we offer the highest quality of MRI exams for up to 75% less than hospitals. And unlike hospitals that can send out multiple bills for a single visit, we provide you with one easy to understand bill, so you’ll know exactly how much you’re paying.
To get an idea of how much your MRI exam will cost, use our free benefits checker so you can determine how much you might have to pay out-of-pocket.
Our services are value-priced, but our MRI equipment and staff are top-of-the-line. Since we focus only on diagnostic imaging, we’re able to hire expertly trained radiologists and provide the newest high-quality MRI equipment. Don’t pay more than you need to for your MRI exam.
Contact us today or talk to your doctor about scheduling your MRI with us so we can give you quality healthcare for an affordable price.