Short answer: An MRI can cost very different amounts depending on where you have it done. Ask for the self-pay price in writing before you book. Hospitals must post prices online, and you can ask for a written estimate if you pay without insurance. Do not rely on average prices from websites.
An MRI is a scan that uses a magnet to take pictures inside your body. The price depends on which body part is scanned, whether a dye is used, who reads the pictures and where the scan is done. Each facility sets its own prices, so two places in the same town can quote different amounts.
Self-pay means you pay yourself and do not bill insurance. Ask these questions when you call.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) says hospitals must provide clear pricing information online so people can compare prices across hospitals. A hospital must publish a file with all items and services, and a list of shoppable services in a consumer-friendly format. CMS says these postings must include the discounted cash price, which is the price a hospital is willing to accept from a patient who pays directly. CMS lists imaging among the shoppable services. Call to confirm the price for your exact scan.
An imaging center is a business that mainly does scans. The CMS pages we read do not say whether imaging centers cost less than hospitals, so we cannot promise that. The safest way to compare is to ask for the same quote, in writing, from a hospital and from at least one imaging center. Make sure each quote is for the same scan.
CMS says providers usually must give a good faith estimate of the cost to people who do not have or use insurance. You get it when you schedule care in advance or when you ask for one. Each estimate covers only one provider or facility, so ask both the place that does the scan and the doctor who reads it for an estimate. CMS also says you may be able to dispute your bill if it is at least $400 more than that provider's estimate. Keep your written estimate and your receipt.
You can find a direct-pay doctor near you and see what direct primary care costs in each state. For other ways to keep costs down, see how to see a doctor without insurance.
CMS says providers usually must give a good faith estimate to people who do not have or use insurance, when you schedule care in advance or ask for one.
CMS says hospitals must post pricing information online, including a file of all items and services and a list of shoppable services. CMS says these must include the discounted cash price. Call to confirm the price for your exact scan.
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