How Much Does an MRI Cost? The $200 to $3,000 Problem
MRI pricing varies wildly — here is what Medicare data reveals about the true cost range.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is one of the most important diagnostic tools in modern medicine — and one of the most confusing when it comes to pricing. Depending on the body part, the type of scan, and where you get it, the Medicare-allowed cost ranges from $15.59 to $1,465.
We found 57 MRI-related procedure codes in the 2023 Medicare data, totaling 8.2M services.
MRI Procedures by Volume
Here are all MRI procedures ranked by the number of services performed:
Why MRI Prices Vary So Much
Several factors drive MRI cost variation:
- Body part: A brain MRI and a knee MRI are different procedures with different costs.
- With or without contrast: Adding contrast dye increases cost due to the material and additional imaging time.
- Facility type: Hospital-based MRIs typically cost more than freestanding imaging centers due to facility fees.
- Geographic location: Medicare adjusts payments by region, so the same MRI costs more in Manhattan than in rural Kansas.
How to Save on MRI Costs
If your doctor orders an MRI, ask whether a freestanding imaging center is an option. These facilities often charge significantly less than hospital-based departments for the exact same scan. Use the procedure pages on this site to compare costs in your area.