What is the cost of an MRI?
The average cost of an MRI in the United States is $1,325, although prices can range from $375 to $2,850.
One factor that can greatly affect the cost of an MRI is whether it is covered by your insurance. MRIs are generally covered by your health insurance if a deductible has been met, but patients may be responsible for out-of-pocket costs or copays depending on their health insurance plan.
The cost of an MRI will be substantially higher if you do not have health insurance.
Another important element that can greatly affect the cost of an MRI is whether the procedure is performed in an inpatient facility, such as a hospital, or in an outpatient surgery center. this is true even if you do not have to spend the night in the hospital. Outpatient centers are just as safe as hospitals, but they can save you thousands of dollars on your medical bill.
According to our data, the target fair price of an MRI is $750.
- national average: $1,325
- national range: $375 – $2,850+
- average outpatient facility: $650
- average inpatient facility $2,250
- target fair price: $750
- facility configuration: where the MRI is performed affects the cost. Getting an MRI done in a hospital costs much more than getting the same test done at an outpatient center. Since inpatient facilities tend to cost more, patients end up paying more for care.
- with or without insurance: the price of an MRI can vary between insurance providers. the change in price largely depends on how much, if any, your insurance plan covers. If you don’t have health insurance, you can expect to pay the full cost of an MRI out of pocket.
- Location: The region, state, and even city you live in can affect the cost of your MRI. If you live in a rural area with fewer facilities to choose from, you can expect to pay more than you would if you lived in a city with many providers. traveling for medical care could save you money.
Next, you’ll learn what factors influence the cost of an MRI and how to find a fair price.
average MRI costs nationwide
Specific MRI Procedures and National Average Costs
What factors affect the cost of an MRI?
Many things can affect the cost of health care, regardless of the type of test performed. In general, there are three factors that cause health care costs to vary:
cost differences between inpatients and outpatients
The cost of an MRI will vary greatly between inpatient and outpatient facilities. the national average cost of an MRI at hospital centers is $2,250, while the same procedure at outpatient centers averaged $650.
cost differences between insured and uninsured
Insured patients have historically paid less than uninsured patients for an MRI, especially when they remain in-network. when a patient has insurance, she shares responsibility for payment with her insurance company. For patients who do not have health insurance, the cost of the MRI falls on them and ultimately costs more.
in-network and out-of-network cost differences
In-network refers to a health care provider or facility that has a contracted rate with a health insurance company. This rate is usually much lower than what someone would pay out of pocket; In-network providers are almost always cheaper than out-of-network providers. this does not apply to patients who do not have insurance; Without insurance, you bear the entire cost of your medical procedure.
responsibility for payment
Almost everyone who has an MRI will have to pay part of the cost out of pocket. patients without insurance will be responsible for the full cost of the MRI.
Patients who do have health insurance will be responsible for paying their deductible, copay, and coinsurance amounts. the amount of each of these costs depends on your health plan.
Your MRI Checklist
1. review the total cost of an MRI with your doctor. ask them to explain the cost and keep a record. If you receive a medical bill that is higher than you expected, this information will be helpful. 2. Ask your doctor if you can perform the test in an outpatient setting. 3. Verify that all providers are in-network. sometimes a provider you see will be out of network. 4. Ask what the typical cost is if the doctor finds other areas that need to be investigated further.
find a fair price for your MRI
While the national average for an MRI is $1,325, knowing how much you should pay can be confusing. new choice health takes the guesswork out of health care by letting you compare facilities and see what the fair price is for your procedure. Use New Choice Health’s Compare Tool to save money on your MRI!
