A MRI in Los Angeles costs on average $780 when you take the median of the 268 medical providers who perform MRI procedures in Los Angeles with the lowest self-pay rate of $225. According to articles published in USA Today, the MRI cost varies based on facility & location. As a high deductible patient, you can expect to pay between $700 – $6,000 for an MRI, while cash patients can pay as little as $225-400.
Health plans | Clinic MRI price | Hospital MRI price |
---|---|---|
High-deductible patient | $700 – $2,400 | $2,100 – $6,000 |
Insured patient (25% copay) | $300 – $800 | $700 – $2,000 |
Cash patient | $225 – $400 | $500 – $2,000 |
The research published by JAMA shows that the US now pays about 18% of GDP on medical costs, which is about 2x the average of other developed markets such as France or Germany. Patients across the US are paying exorbitant prices MRIs, CTs, Ultrasounds & PET/ CTs, which led many patients to face personal bankruptcies – fortunately, there is a way out.
In general, the best equipped and most expensive facilities are at the national hospitals and research hospitals like UCSF. Such facilities tend to charge high-deductible patients $2,500-$6,000 per single MRI scan. Another & better option is seeking outpatient facilities that have more reasonable pricing and would charge you about $800-$2,000 per scan.
The good news is that you can always negotiate a better rate if you pay in cash. The medical imaging center saves on billing costs and removes the hassle of dealing with insurance companies, so they can provide you with large discounts. You can pay as little as $225 for an MRI scan without contrast, which is 90% saving vs. the listing price.
Even if you receive full coverage from your insurance company you will get a large bill. Usually, your doctor will recommend you to an in-network facility, which your insurance covers. But, you need to be very careful who is the radiologist – is he also in-network? If not, you will be charged the full list price of the MRI reading which can go up to thousands of dollars if he is out-of-network. David Belk from Truecostofhealthcare.com covers many of these horror stories.
The good news is that you can still do the MRI for even a cheaper price than would be your co-pay if your insurance would cover the MRI price. You can go the cash route and instead of waiting 3-4 weeks for your insurance approved the appointment, you can get the next day MRI appointment through one of the Affordable Scan facilities.
MRIs prices vary by complexity of the scan & the reading and if the scan requires doctor contrast. Here are the rates patients pay prices at outpatient clinics:
Check out Santa Ana, Garden Grove and Anaheim for the best rates in LA.
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