How much does an MRI cost with or without insurance?

What is an MRI?

An MRI is a type of diagnostic imaging that produces two- and three-dimensional images of the tissues and organs inside your body. They utilize radio waves and a magnetic field to disrupt the hydrogen protons inside your body, which emit energy as they fall back into place. The MRI machine records this energy, and uses it to create detailed images of soft tissue. MRIs are completely safe, and can examine almost any part of your body. They are an invaluable tool that enables providers to detect abnormalities, reach diagnoses, and develop treatment plans for patients. 

How much does an MRI cost with insurance versus without insurance?

MRI costs can vary due to a number of factors. The city or location of the procedure can influence the price, depending on how many diagnostic imaging facilities are available in the area. The average cost for an MRI in the U.S. is a little over $1,300. Patients without insurance or whose insurance comes with a high deductible can expect to pay up to $5,000. Even with insurance, MRIs typically run between $500 and $1,000. However, Tripment Health has negotiated prices with thousands of diagnostic imaging centers across the country to ensure an affordable out-of-pocket price for an MRI without insurance. MRIs start at $225 through Tripment Health, helping patients take control of their wellness without letting the high price of MRIs stop them from getting the treatment they deserve. 

How long does an MRI take?

An MRI generally takes 60-90 minutes. In some cases, an MRI is ordered with contrast. This means that the patient will first be injected with a gadolinium-based dye before entering the machine. This dye helps create a more detailed view of inflammation and blood flow within the body. The injection process can add an additional fifteen minutes to the overall appointment time. 

Are there different types of MRIs?

There are a few ways in which MRIs can vary. First, is whether they are done with or without contrast, using the gadolinium-based dye mentioned above. MRIs with contrast are typically ordered when blood flow and inflammation needs to be seen in greater detail. Contrast can also provide a clearer picture of tumors and similar abnormalities. 

The other ways in which MRIs differ is based on the machine itself — whether you will be in an open or closed MRI:

• Closed MRIs are more common. They provide quick, accurate, and high-quality images of deep organ tissue. In a closed MRI machine, patients lie down on a table and are asked to remain still while the table is slid into a tunnel-shaped scanner. The machine does not touch the patient and the scan cannot be felt. However, scans are relatively loud, and this noise in combination with the narrow space within the scanner can lead to feelings of claustrophobia with some patients. 

• Open MRIs create lower-quality images than closed MRIs. However, they allow for more movement, as technicians can shift the machine around the patient at different angles throughout the procedure. They tend to take longer, but they emit much less noise. Open MRIs are ideal for patients who are severely claustrophobic, or may be too overweight to fit in a closed MRI machine. Sometimes, a doctor will order an open MRI specifically to see the tensions in the body that are exhibited when a person is in the standing position. 

Why would a doctor order an MRI?

Your doctor could have many reasons for ordering an MRI. They are more accurate than other types of diagnostic imaging, and they do not emit any radiation. While pregnant women can safely get X-rays of their head or extremities, doctors may wish to avoid ordering abdominal X-rays and CT scans. MRIs provide a safer alternative. They also provide an extremely detailed view of soft tissue, which is something X-rays cannot do. Doctors frequently order MRIs to look for abnormalities that are too small to be detected by other diagnostic imaging, or to get a closer look at blood flow or inflammation. 

Where can I get an MRI scan?

It's easy to find an MRI facility near you through Tripment Health. If you already have a referral, finding an affordable MRIs near you is a breeze. If you suspect you need an MRI but do not already have a referral, one of the providers in our extensive network can order you an MRI for only $50, without the need for an additional office visit. Then all you need to do is search on Tripment.com for a diagnostic imaging center near you, compare providers, prices, and locations, then schedule your appointment from the comfort of your own home.