The Average Cost of an MRI and the Factors that Help Decide
The Average Cost of an MRI and the Factors that Help Decide
Magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, is an innovative medical technology that provides your medical team with highly-detailed images of the body. These images can be used to diagnose and detect a wide array of conditions, injuries, and more. But just like other laboratory and imaging tests, the cost of an MRI can vary greatly. Read on to learn how you can figure out what an MRI will cost you.
Factors That Affect the Price of an MRI
The price and cost of MRIs vary greatly. There can be many factors that affect the cost of your procedure, including location, type of MRI, type of facility you use, health insurance coverage, and more. You’ll find some of the most common cost factors below.
Your Insurance Coverage
The coverage offered by insurance plans vary by person and insurance company. Whether your insurance company will cover the procedure and how much they will cover will have a large effect on your out-of-pocket cost for an MRI. Health insurance companies will also take into consideration the “network” in which the procedure was done, as well as the reason behind needing the MRI.
The Facility Used
Studies show that the price of an MRI and other imaging tests can depend greatly on what type of facility in which you receive the test. Hospitals, for instance, often charge much more for an MRI test than an off-facility, freestanding clinic or imaging center. In addition, the doctors and technicians may charge additional fees at the hospital for the procedure.
Location
It isn’t just the type of facility you use that affects the price of your MRI and other imaging tests. Certain areas of the country may see larger differences in prices, and there may also be extensive gaps between prices in urban or rural areas. This can result from area population, economics, and available technology in the area.
Type of MRI Needed
Different parts and areas of the body will require different procedures, testing, and preparation. Therefore, an MRI of one part of the body may cost more or less than another. You are paying for the test, as well as the time and technology needed for the procedure. The cost of an MRI can depend highly on where the MRI is focused on and why.
The Cost of an MRI
Though many factors may go into the cost of your MRI, you can find the average cost of some of the most common MRIs in the U.S. here:
Average Cost: Type/Location of MRI
- Brain MRI: $1,600-$3,000
- Cardiac MRI: $1,617
- Abdominal MRI: $872
- Upper Extremity MRI: $1,050
- Lower Extremity MRI: $975-$2,000
The national average for all MRI types is around $1,500 but can cost upwards of $10,000 for those without health insurance.
Average Cost: Procedure and Facility Location (Hospital)
In a study done by a consumer healthcare company, Amino, MRI averages around the country include some of the following prices:
- Alaska: With the largest average, MRIs here can cost about $4,000.
- Michigan: This state’s high average sits at around $3,000.
- California: Matching the national median, California’s MRI costs average at around $1,500.
- New York: As a heavily populated state, MRIs in this state average at less than $1,000.
- Mississippi: This state has the lowest MRI cost average, at roughly $500 per MRI.
MRI procedures are highly-advanced tests that can be invaluable to the future of your health. But managing your health care spending is very important as well. To help you receive the health care you need, at a price you can afford, let Sesame take over for you. With Sesame, you can find the care you need, including MRIs, at a fair price.
