MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a sophisticated test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create a detailed picture of the inside of your body. In layman’s terms, an MRI allows doctors to take extremely detailed and defined photos of your body, providing insight into conditions that could be affecting your bones, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and soft tissues.
If this is the first time your doctor has recommended getting an MRI, you may be wondering about the costs associated with this procedure. MRIs are one of the more costly medical imaging procedures that one can have. Price ranges vary from state to state and from facility to facility, as well as depending on which part of the body is being evaluated.
The total cost of the MRI is calculated by two primary fees. First is the technical fee, which is the cost of the procedure itself, and the second is the professional fee, which is how much it costs to have the results read and interpreted.
According to Affordable Scan, insured patients in Arizona can expect to pay anywhere from $1,549-$16,472 for an MRI scan and pay out of pocket between $387-$4,118. Medicare patients pay per scan as little as $310-$563 dollars.
At Valleywise Health, we are focused on taking care of all patients regardless of ability to pay. For those without health insurance, our financial counselors can work with you to establish the cost of an MRI based on your specific financial situation.
Why Should You Get an MRI?
MRIs help doctors to diagnose a disease or injury as well as monitor how your body is responding to treatment. MRIs can be administered on different parts of the body. They are especially useful when looking at soft tissues and the nervous system. The following conditions are typically what a doctor will recommend an MRI for:
- Anomalies in the brain and spinal cord
- Tumors, cysts, and other anomalies in various parts of the body
- Breast cancer screening for women with high risk of breast cancer
- Injuries or abnormalities in the joints, including back and knee
- Heart problems
- Liver disease and other organ abnormalities
- Pelvic pain in women
- Uterine anomalies in women undergoing evaluation for infertility
An MRI is the best-known way to make the diagnosis for a variety of possible conditions and diseases. By getting an MRI, your doctor can give the most accurate diagnosis possible.
Does Insurance Cover the Cost of an MRI?
Most insurance providers will reimburse policyholders for the cost of most MRI procedures. However, some health insurance companies require pre-authorization prior to the test. If you are unsure about your requirements, contact your insurance agent and ask about coverage before you complete any procedures. For patients who are uninsured, financial assistance programs from Valleywise Health are available. We accept Medicare and AHCCCS.
How to Prepare for an MRI
Due to the strong magnetic fields used during exams, there are certain precautions that must be taken beforehand. Similarly, some conditions may prevent you from having an MRI procedure. When scheduling your appointment, please make sure that your care providers are aware of any medical conditions or devices you may have. Alert doctors if you have any of the following:
- Pacemaker
- Pregnancy
- Claustrophobia
- History of Kidney Problems
- Skin Tattoos
- Insulin Pump
- Artificial Heart Valves
- Aneurysm Clips
- Stent placement
- Automatic Cardiac Defibrillator
- Hearing Aids
- Joint replacement
- Medication pump
- Prosthesis
Other Tips
- Please leave your valuables at home, including jewelry, to prevent it from being lost or stolen, for they have to be removed prior to entering the scan room.
- Please let us know if you need language interpreting services, this can be arranged for you.
- Please bring a list of your current medications.
- If you experience anxiety related to claustrophobia, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication for you to take with you for your MRI appointment.
For more information about diagnostic imaging and the costs of an MRI, contact Valleywise Health professionals. Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider today to speak with professionals about scheduling an MRI.
Sources:
1. https://affordablescan.com/mri/cost/arizona
