How much does a leg mri cost with insurance

If your doctor has told you that you need an MRI, you’re probably wondering “how much does an MRI cost?” These procedures can cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, but the good news is that they are often covered by insurance, and even if you don’t have coverage, there are lots of effective ways to save money on MRIs.

Why Does an MRI Cost So Much?

When most people hear about how much an MRI costs, they immediately wonder why. The answer is simple—the equipment to perform an MRI is extremely expensive. In fact, it costs well over a million dollars. Additionally, it costs a lot to service and maintain that equipment.

Specialists upgrade MRI equipment on a regular basis. That ensures that the equipment has the latest technology to create the highest quality images. Ultimately, all of that helps you get the best results for your healthcare needs.

What Costs Are Involved in an MRI?

In addition to the expenses listed above, the cost of an MRI also involves other expenses. That can include the cost of the ink, the cost of specialists to read the image, and administrative costs.

Does the MRI Cost Vary Based on the Body Part Being Imaged?

An MRI cost can vary a lot depending on the body part being imaged. A part that’s relatively straightforward like a knee joint generally has a lower price tag. For instance, the cost of a knee MRI can be as low as $700. In contrast, a spinal MRI may cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, and that depends on where the image is being taken.

Does Location Affect MRI Cost?

Where you get your MRI can also affect its cost. In most cases, it’s less expensive to get an MRI at a stonealone clinic that focuses on imaging, and it’s more expensive to get an MRI at a hospital. Hospitals have more overhead than clinics, and that all tends to get rolled into the price.

It’s also important to note that if the hospital has an emergency room, that can drive up the cost. Emergency rooms are obligated to treat patients regardless of whether or not they have insurance, and when patients don’t have coverage, the hospital generally just loses those funds. Ultimately, that has to get absorbed by the other departments at the hospital.

In contrast, standalone clinics generally only see people with insurance or who can afford to pay out of pocket. As a result, these facilities don’t have to inflate their costs to cover patients who are unable to pay their bills. If you want to save money on your MRI cost, you may want to go to a standalone clinic rather than a hospital.

You may also want to do some comparison shopping and look for a facility that is willing to offer cash discounts or payment plans.

How Much Will My MRI Cost?

If your doctor has advised you to get an MRI, the best thing to do is to follow those orders and get the images as soon as possible. That can be key to safeguarding your health.

However, you don’t want to ruin your budget in the process. You have a choice. Diagnostic imaging costs significantly less at American Health Imaging than at hospitals and hospital-owned outpatient facilities. Compare costs to get the best rates and highest-quality care. Click here to begin.

An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create images of the parts of your body. Perhaps, the biggest advantage is that MRI scans do not expose patients to radiation. Specifically, a leg MRI looks at different parts of the upper Leg, Knee, Ankle and Foot. MRI scans differ from X-rays in terms of added detail.  MRI scans also showcase cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and even some blood vessels.

Leg MRI scan cost by insurance type

Insured Patient with a High Deductible: Outside facility price, $1200 – $2000. $3000 – $6000 Hospital clinic fee.

Insured patients with 25% Copay : $300 – $500 Clinic price: $1000 – $2000. Hospital Radiology department $1000 – $2000.

Cash Pay Patient: $250 – $500 at a free standing imaging center.

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Cost Saving Tips when a Leg MRI scan is necessary

• Take your doctor’s referral to the facility with the best price
• Shop around across 4-8 facilities to find the best deal for you
• Pay in cash to save 40-80% of the cost
• Consider getting MRI scan where the rates are most competitive  the large metro area (Los Angeles, Chicago, Florida)
• Use your HSA to cover your cash expenses (clinics will still consider this a cash payment)

When might a Leg MRI be Needed?

• Broken Bone(s)
• An abnormal finding on an x-ray
• Swelling and decreased motion in the Ankle
• Persistent leg pain and swelling
• Numbness, and sharp pain in legs, Ankles, and Feet
• Instability of ankle and foot

What to expect during the scan

For a leg MRI, patients will enter the MRI scanner feet first. Often, only the lower body will be in the scanner. The Radiology technologist will be outside of the machine performing the scan from a computer. It is imperative to reamin extremely still during the scan. Any movement will negatively imaoct the image quality. The scan normally takes 20 – 45 minutes. Once the scan is complete, generally a CD with images will be available for the patient to take home. The radiology report will be sent to the referring doctor 24 – 72 hours after the scan.

Not sure where to start?

Our concierge will help you find the most affordable imaging center

Concierge at AffordableScan | 4 min read

The concierge team at AffordableScan works with top experts & doctors in the industry to publish the latest research & news on medical care in the US.

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