MRI cost

  • Thread starter Thread starter neveragain444
  • Start date Start date
N

neveragain444

Guest
does anyone know what it would cost to have a mri on your spine (thoracic area), my insurance might not cover it, they wouldn't for the tumors on my liver to be evaluated, & i'd rather pay for it myself than sit here in pain every day
 
DepenRAB but you are looking at anywhere from $1800 and up I suspect. Might be lower depending on the region you live in and whether or not you have the contrast included. A straight MRI with no contrast should come in around $1500 minimum. Just call any facility that does them and ask for the billing office and then ask them what they charge for people with no insurance. Maybe they have a special price.

I know I had the exact same cervical MRI done in 2 different places about 6 months apart...one out in the boonies where I live was $1800 and the one at the big city hospital was $3400. Just call and ask.
 
Some places will give you a cash discount if they find insurance will not pay it. Keep in mind that sometimes on an insurance Explanation of Benefits (EOB) it will say "Cost $1800" and something like "Contracted amount $800". That means the insurance company has a contract with the MRI provider that they will accept $800. They may charge you less if insurance does not cover it. BUT, be sure to use a radiology facility that is approved by your insurance so you can at least try to get the MRI covered. And many radiology centers do a pre-approval and if it comes back as "no" or "not yet determined" then they could ask you to pay for it up front before the exam.

My husband said there's a message on the phone at home from my insurance company. I have an cervical neck MRI scheduled for Monday and I'm wondering if that's why they are calling....I could be arguing with them tomorrow.
 
Its been years since I've had an MRI done. I know they aren't cheap. If you think you aren't covered best is to call where you think you may want it to be done and ask what the cost would be if not covered by insurance. And it depenRAB on whether if it is done with or without contrast as well. Good luck!!
 
Had one done a few week ago of just the lurabar region and it cost over $2000 with contrast.
 
Back
Top