The Whys of MRIs

Contrary to what you might be thinking, MRI stands for “magnetic resonance imaging,” not “money-grubbing and ridiculous inconvenience.” This imaging technology produces three dimensional detailed images of organs and part of the body through the use of powerful magnets. The high-resolution images of the inside of the body can help diagnose a variety of conditions.

How much does an MRI cost?

If your physician recommends that you get an MRI scan, you may be wondering how much it will cost you. This is a hard question to answer, regardless of your insurance status or plan. According to a recent data report published online by Statista, the average price of an MRI in the United States in 2017 was $1,430. This makes the United States the most expensive country to get an MRI. New Zealand comes in second with an average cost of $750, and the least expensive country to get an MRI in 2017 was the Netherlands, with an average total of $190.

While the average price of an MRI in the U.S is a lofty one, the variability of MRI pricing is one of the greatest in the healthcare industry. MRI pricing can fluctuate by hundreds or thousands of dollars, but one of the most substantial pricing factors is where you go for your MRI.

Why are MRIs so expensive?

As laid out by Healthcare Bluebook, getting your MRI at a hospital could end up costing you three to five times more than if you go to a free-standing imaging center. Hospitals have significantly higher overhead costs.

The more an imaging center has to spend to obtain and maintain an MRI machine, the more the patient will be charged. There are two main components that determine this — equipment costs and operational costs. We spoke with President, Chief Operating Officer, and Registered Nurse, Sherri Donaldson, at the Diagnostic Radiology Institute of Kansas City, to dive deeper into these components.

With regards to costs, Donaldson explained, “There’s the fixed expense of the equipment — the machine itself, the room, cryogens or helium for cooling, and the system used to compose images and send them to radiology. Then there’s the patient care costs — gowns, gloves, contrast, injections, and biohazardous materials. Finally, there are the administrative costs.”

MRI machines are expensive. A single machine can range in price from $150k to $3M, and they must be maintained and updated periodically. In addition to the machine itself, an enclosed area to house the MRI known as an “MRI suite” is needed to protect those outside of the room from the machine’s magnetic fields.

After those costs have accumulated, it’s time to consider the price of patient care, staffing, medical record-keeping, scheduling software, and more. With all of these factors taken into account, it’s easier to understand the reasoning behind MRI pricing.

It is also important to note that not all free-standing facilities are necessarily independent. Donaldson affirms, “The majority of outpatient facilities are actually tied to hospitals or physician-owned practices, so they charge higher rates. If it is truly independent (which would be called an “IDTF” Independent Diagnostic Testing Facility), the contractual rate can be more easily negotiated.”

How do I find an affordable MRI?

When it comes to finding an affordable MRI, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Check your options — Chances are, there is more than one option available in your area. If your doctor referred you to a specific practice, you are not obligated to follow through with that recommendation. Do not hesitate to speak with multiple imaging centers in your city to get a quote.
• Ask about fees — After an MRI is rendered, the results must be read by a radiologist. Make sure to ask if this cost is included in the price of the MRI. Donaldson states, “Our radiology fee is $75-$100 and is included in the price. Many radiologists are subcontracted, which means they’re allowed to bill alone.” At many imaging centers, this fee could range from $100 to $500.
• Ask about financial assistance — Many facilities offer discounts if you are able to pay in full before the procedure or pay out-of-pocket. There are also payment plans available at some imaging centers. While this will not lower your overall cost, breaking up your bill into monthly installments may make the purchase more feasible for you.
• Use a concierge service — If you are having trouble locating options in your area, reaching out to a patient concierge service may be your best bet as they can locate care on your behalf. Sesame’s concierge team is available free of charge Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm CST.

Though navigating the healthcare space can be scary, you can go into things much more confidently with this knowledge and these words of advice at the ready. To locate affordable MRI listings in your area, visit Sesamecare.com today.