What’s the difference between a CT Scan and an MRI?
By Concierge at AffordableScan | 4 min read
MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT or CAT scans (computed tomography) are used to get images of your body and provide more detail than simple X-rays. If you need specialized imaging, it can be helpful to understand the differences between a CT scan vs. an MRI.
In some ways, these two tests are similar. They both show a cross-section picture of the body, but they accomplish it with different techniques:
CT scans use many X-rays, taken at different angles, to produce the cross-sectional images
MRI scansuse magnetic fields and radio frequencies
Because of this, each test shows the same parts of the body in different ways and are chosen by doctors depending on the possible diagnosis.
* viewing bone injuries * lung and chest problems * detecting cancers
Duration
At least 30 minutes
5-15 minutes
Cost
$250 – $6000
$220 – $4000
Radiation
No radiation exposure
Radiation equivalent to many X-Rays
MRI vs CT scan costs
Insurance Type
MRI
CT Scan
High-deductible plan
$1500 – $6000
$1,000 – $4,000
Insurance plan (25% co-pay)
$400 – $1,500
$250 – $1,000
Cash patient
$250 – $600
$220 – $500
The biggest difference is due to the cost of the machine and also the duration of the exam. MRI takes at least 30 minutes, while a CT scan can be done in as little as 5-15 minutes
If you choose the cash route, you can get MRI for as little as $250 while you can get a CT scan for about $220 (find a price near you)
Common uses for CT vs MRI scan
Abdominal pain – CT is the preferred test. It is more readily available on an emergency basis and is very accurate. Ultrasounds are used for children and pregnant women.
Trauma – CT is present in most emergency departments and imaging centers and it is the best at showing bone fractures, blood collection and organ injury.
Spine – MRI scans are the best diagnostic imaging techniques for the spinal cord and nerves.
Brain – CT is used when speed is important, as in trauma and stroke. MRI is best when the images need to be very detailed, looking for cancer, causes of dementia, epilepsy or neurological diseases, or looking at places where bone might interfere.
Chest – CT is much better at examining lung tissue and often used to follow up on abnormal chest x-rays. Low dose CT Scans are available and used with high-risk smokers who need to be screened annually.
Joints – MRI is best at showing tendons and ligaments.
MRI scan vs CT scan risks
Both CT scans and MRIs pose some risks when used, so you should ask your doctor for a referral to ensure the imaging procedure is necessary. The risks are based on the type of imaging as well as how the imaging is performed.
CT scan risks include:
harm to unborn babies
A small dose of radiation (equivalent to ~200 X-rays)
a potential allergic reaction to the use of dyes
MRI risks include:
possible reactions to metals due to magnets in the machine
loud noises from the machine causing hearing issues
increase in body temperature during scans
claustrophobia (for closed MRIs)
You should consult a doctor before an MRI if you have implants including:
artificial joints
eye implants
an IUD
a pacemaker
Tips for getting the best price for an MRI scan or a CT scan
Ask about all the fees. Do they include the cost of scan and the radiologist reading?
Take your doctor’s referral with you to another facility – your referral might be issued to one of the most expensive hospitals in the country
Check the recommendation of best machine type required for your scan – if you need a simple scan you probably don’t need to get it in a state of the art machine
I didn't know that an MRI could examine soft tissue. My mother is needing to get an MRI and we want to make sure we send her to the best place. I'll have to do some research and find the best clinic in our area that performs MRI's
Yes, MRI can help with soft tissue examination much better than a CT scan (e.g. ligament, brain). The only thing to keep in mind MRI works based on the water content percentage in the body, so it's not very good for screening internal organs unless the contrast solution is used (e.g. lungs, intestine). Feel free to contact us, we will be happy to assist you.
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I didn't know that an MRI could examine soft tissue. My mother is needing to get an MRI and we want to make sure we send her to the best place. I'll have to do some research and find the best clinic in our area that performs MRI's
Yes, MRI can help with soft tissue examination much better than a CT scan (e.g. ligament, brain). The only thing to keep in mind MRI works based on the water content percentage in the body, so it's not very good for screening internal organs unless the contrast solution is used (e.g. lungs, intestine). Feel free to contact us, we will be happy to assist you.