When you are dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, the last thing you want to be worried about is the cost of your medical expenses. Even if your car insurance policy covers some of the costs, it may be a reimbursement that takes place after the fact if you need care immediately. Diagnostic scans like MRIs are used soon after a crash to detect car accident injuries and other concerns that need to be addressed and should not be put off due to the expense. When planning for an upcoming medical procedure, you might be asking yourself, “How much is an MRI?” so you can budget accordingly. While the exact bill will vary, we’ve compiled some information to help you understand what to expect.
What Is an MRI?
An MRI, which stands for magnetic resonance imaging, is a type of scan that allows doctors to see complex structures inside the human body. The technology uses a combination of magnets and radiofrequency to produce three-dimensional anatomical images that aid in the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of various illnesses and injuries. The cost of these machines and the expertise needed to use them is why MRIs may be expensive in some cases.
How Does an MRI Work?
An MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a special imaging technique that helps doctors see inside the body. At the center of the MRI machine is a powerful magnet. When you lie inside the machine, the magnet makes certain particles in your body, mostly found in water, line up. The machine then sends a short burst of radio waves that allows the MRI to create detailed images of different tissues and organs. These images are very helpful for doctors because they allow them to see soft tissues, bones, organs, and even the nervous system in great detail. This is especially important for diagnosing issues in sensitive areas like the brain, spine, joints, and abdomen, where other imaging methods might not provide enough information.
The MRI Procedure
The process of getting an MRI scan typically takes between 30 to 90 minutes, although this depends on the area being examined and the complexity of the scan. The MRI machine itself is large and cylindrical, and during the scan, you will lie on a motorized table that slides into the center of the machine. It’s important for you to remain as still as possible during the procedure so that the images it produces are as clear as possible.
For some types of scans, a contrast dye may be injected into the patient’s bloodstream to improve the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. The contrast agent helps to differentiate between healthy and abnormal tissue, which makes it easier for doctors to spot any abnormalities. In certain cases, especially for people with anxiety or claustrophobia, you may have the option of a sedative to help you relax during the scan.
Who Interprets MRI Results?
The images produced by an MRI scan are incredibly detailed, which is why they are typically analyzed by a radiologist, who is an expert in interpreting medical images. The radiologist will review the images and provide your doctors with a detailed report. Next, your doctors will discuss the results and potential treatment options with you. Depending on the results of the MRI, your doctor may request additional imaging or other diagnostic tests. At AICA Orthopedics, our team of doctors uses results from state-of-the-art technologies like MRI scans to develop a personalized treatment plan for you.
Why Are MRIs Expensive?
When you’re looking into “how much does the MRI cost”, one major contributing factor of cost is the technology itself. MRI machines are large, sophisticated, and costly to maintain, often requiring a specially designed room due to the strength of the magnetic field. Additionally, operating these machines requires skilled technicians, and interpreting the resulting images demands the expertise of trained radiologists. All of these factors end up impacting the higher cost of MRI scans compared to other imaging methods.
Factors in the Cost of an MRI
So, how much does it cost for an MRI? Like all health services, the cost of an MRI can vary greatly between two people and two procedures based on a range of factors.
Facility
Where you receive an MRI can be one factor in the cost. Inpatient facilities, such as hospitals, tend to have more expensive MRIs because of the expense associated with maintaining supplies and machines or services to accommodate extended stays. Outpatient facilities, especially ones with a dedicated set of MRI and diagnostic imaging services, are usually less expensive. Of course, in an emergency situation, you may not have a choice in this matter.
Insurance Coverage
Most MRIs will be covered by a health insurance provider as they are considered diagnostic tests. As long as your provider deems the scan medically necessary, you can usually expect to have this covered. All of your typical deductibles, copays, and coinsurance will apply in these cases. An MRI cost with insurance can potentially impact your out-of-pocket expenses, so it’s important to check what your plan covers.
If you don’t have insurance, the expense of an MRI could be much higher. Be sure to ask your facility about the costs for direct payment as opposed to what they charge an insurance company.
Location
One of the biggest factors involved in pricing an MRI will be the geographic location where you have the scan done. The region, city, and state where you live can determine the number of facilities you have to choose from. For example, a more rural location may have fewer MRI machines available, increasing costs, while a city may have more machines and lower costs. However, the cost of living can also impact this.
Type of MRI
While the underlying technology is the same, not every MRI scan costs the same. As a general rule, the larger the part of the body being scanned, the more expensive the MRI may be. For example, an MRI of the spine will take longer and likely cost more than an MRI of the foot. And the complexity of the scan can also impact the cost. Specialized MRIs, like a functional MRI (fMRI) used for brain studies, may result in higher costs because of their advanced imaging capabilities.
There are also different types of MRI machines that can be used. In most cases, you will use the traditional MRI machine that looks like a large metal tunnel, but patients who cannot fit in or suffer from claustrophobia may use an open MRI machine. There are also machines that allow a patient to be upright during the procedure. Because these machines are less common, they may cost more. Understanding the type of MRI and its implications can help patients make informed decisions about their imaging options.
Medications
Most prices quoted for an MRI assume that contrast dye is not used. This dye is injected into the body via an IV in order to enhance the images and provide a clearer picture to doctors. While it can be helpful, this is only necessary in about 5 to 10 percent of cases. The use of contrast can increase prices.
Some patients will also require the use of sedatives to calm anxiety about being in the MRI machine or who will struggle to be still. An additional fee can accompany the sedative.
Getting the Best MRI Price
The cost of an MRI can range anywhere from $400 to $3500, depending on the factors listed above. While you will certainly not be able to control all of these factors, there are a few ways you might be able to control the costs. Here are several tips for getting the best MRI price without sacrificing the quality of treatment and care you deserve.
Shop Around and Compare Prices
Not all MRI facilities charge the same rates, even within the same city or county. You may have to call around to different imaging centers and outpatient facilities near you to ask for price estimates. Many people are surprised to find major differences in costs between locations, even just down the street from one another. There are many independent imaging centers are transparent about their pricing and may even provide you with an estimate upfront so that you can make an informed decision. Plus, some MRI imaging centers may also offer package deals if your doctor requires you to get multiple scans.
Choose an Outpatient Facility
One of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of an MRI is by choosing to have the scan done at an outpatient facility or a dedicated imaging center rather than at the hospital. You might be surprised to learn that hospitals can charge significantly higher rates for the same procedure, typically because of their higher overhead and administrative costs. If you do not need an MRI for an emergency situation and can choose where to go, you’ll want to look into outpatient facilities near you. Often, outpatient clinics will often offer more competitive pricing, while the level of care and the quality of the scan will be just as good as what you would get at a hospital.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
If you have health insurance, it’s important to understand what is covered before you schedule your MRI. Contact your insurance provider to find out if the facility you’re considering is in-network because this can significantly impact how much you pay out of pocket. In-network facilities may have negotiated rates with your insurance company, which should end up with lower costs for you. Make sure you ask about your copay, deductible, and whether any pre-authorization is required for the scan.
Use an FSA or HSA Account
If you have access to a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA), you can use these funds to cover medical expenses like MRIs and other diagnostic imaging scans. Both FSA and HSA accounts make it possible for you to set aside pre-tax income to use on healthcare costs. These options can help with reducing the financial burden of medical bills on you and your family. Check your FSA or HAS account balance and use it to offset the cost of your MRI, which can be especially helpful if you have a high-deductible insurance plan.
Ask About Discounts and Payment Plans
If you do not have insurance or you are looking at high out-of-pocket costs, it’s always worth discussing payment options with the facility. Some imaging centers may offer financial assistance programs or discounted rates for patients who pay out of pocket or use direct billing. Some centers may even offer discounts for paying upfront or in cash. You can also ask about payment plans if you cannot afford the full cost upfront. Certain facilities will be willing to work with patients to set up manageable monthly payments.
Consider MRI Alternatives
Depending on your medical situation and the reason why you’re getting an MRI, there may be other imaging techniques that are more affordable than an MRI. For example, if your doctor is trying to examine bones or joints, then a traditional X-ray or ultrasound might also work while also resulting in a lower cost. Talk to your doctor about whether there are other imaging options that can give them the necessary information to help keep the costs down.
MRI and More at AICA Snellville
At AICA Snellville, our dedicated office staff will work with you to ensure you can afford the diagnostic imaging you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions about pricing, coverage, and how we can help you achieve your goals for recovery. AICA Snellville offers MRIs in addition to a range of other health services, allowing you to go through us for all your needs.