Affordable Imaging Centers Near Me

MRI scan costs without insurance

MRI scans vary depending on what state you live in and what type of insurance you have. Below, we've created a table that lists average national price ranges for the most common types of MRIs. These prices are without contrast — adding contrast may increase the price. MRI prices can also vary considerably by body part; for instance, a bone MRI is typically much less expensive than a brain MRI. 

With Tripment Health, you can find affordable imaging centers near you and get an MRI at a much lower cost than the national average. Tripment Health partners with imaging centers nationwide to negotiate the best prices for you. For example, the cost for an MRI in Florida starts as low as $360.

Where are the most affordable imaging centers near you?

Cities with affordable imaging scans near you

Cities with the most affordable price ranges for MRIs or CT scans include:

1. Los Angeles, CA
2. Chicago, IL
3. Miami, FL
4. Phoenix, AZ

To find an MRI imagining center near you, visit the Tripment website. Here you can explore the imaging centers closets to you and compare their prices.

The most expensive cities for imaging scans near you

There is no specific standard of cost for diagnostic imaging tests in America. One city might have rates twice as high as a city in a neighboring county. Cashlight Health recorded average prices of lower back MRIs in the 30 most populous U.S cities. According to their data, these are the current 10 most expensive cities for an MRI, and their average costs:

Tips to save money on imaging center scans near you

There are a lot of different ways to save money at imaging clinics. 

1. Consider what type of diagnostic imaging you need

One cost-saving tip is to make sure you are getting the procedure you actually need. For instance, you may want to discuss with your provider whether you really need an MRI, or if you would receive the same diagnostic benefits from a CT scan. CT scans and MRI scans share many similar functions, but CT scans have the advantage of being cheaper and quicker. However, it is also possible that an MRI would minimize the need for follow-up procedures, like ultrasound, which could lower your costs in the long run.

2. Consider the location of your diagnostic tests

Prices can change dramatically from facility to facility. Whether you are getting your test at an inpatient or outpatient facility often makes a huge difference. Inpatient facilities, such as hospitals, tend to charge far more than outpatient facilities, even though the quality of the tests remains the same. Inpatient MRI locations may charge up to $5,000 more than outpatient MRI imaging centers. Even though a doctor might refer you to a specific center, the location usually is not binding, and you can take the referral elsewhere and compare costs.

3. Research the costs of imaging services in your city

Costs can differ a lot depending on your location. For example, if you live somewhere rural, you will have access to fewer centers, which can drive up the costs considerably. As noted above, average costs for imaging tests also differ from city to city. For example, the costs of imaging tests in Sacramento, California, is nearly double that of some other cities in the same state. 

4.  Use the healthcare marketplace that offers self-pay services without insurance

Tripment Health is a nationwide digital healthcare marketplace offering self-pay or high deductible patients easy access to affordable imaging centers. You can visit our Tripment Health website to find an imaging center near you, and to explore transparent pricing for different tests throughout your region.