An MRI in South Jersey can cost between $250-$8,750, which might surprise you, but the amount you actually pay could be a lot less. The cost of an MRI scan can vary depending on what part of your body is being imaged, where your MRI scan is performed, your insurance coverage, and many other factors. MRI scans require advanced equipment, and specialized staffing to produce, but the results speak for themselves: MRI scans provide the most detailed images of any scans available.
An MRI (or magnetic resonance imaging) is a type of imaging that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to take pictures of your internal organs, tissues, and skeletal system. MRIs allow physicians to take a closer look at any diseased or degraded muscles or joints. In the same way, getting an MRI scan is an investment, getting an MRI machine, room, and professionals is an investment for a hospital or an independent imaging center. Independent centers, though, are a less expensive option because they focus solely on imaging unlike hospitals, where a variety of medical procedures occur.
What Factors Affect The Cost Of An MRI?
The cost of an MRI scan can be broken down into a technical fee, a professional fee, and a facility fee. The machinery alone is $150,000-$3 million. A particular room must also be built to house the equipment and protect the patient. Altogether, the cost would be around $5 million. Additionally, these facilities must pay their doctors who interpret the results and get them back to you.
Getting an MRI scan at a hospital will be more expensive than at an independent imaging provider. Some hospitals increase the cost of getting an MRI to cover other expenses, like emergency departments or treating patients who might not be able to pay their medical bills. South Jersey Radiology’s MRIs not only cost up to 60% less than hospitals, but make you a priority every step of the way.
The best way to save money on your MRI is to get your imaging done at an independent imaging center, like South Jersey Radiology. Your insurance should cover the cost of your MRI if your doctor requires one as a tool to help diagnose a medical issue regardless of whether you are getting your imaging done at a hospital or an independent provider. SJRA accepts 99% of major health insurance providers.
Is An MRI Covered By Insurance?
Your MRI scan will likely be covered by your insurance if it is a scan your doctor has required. Your insurance company may deny your request for coverage for several reasons. Most often it could be denied because a different scan (like a CT scan) could suffice. You may also need preauthorization from your insurance for an MRI because they need to check if it is a medical necessity. Your healthcare provider will handle submitting your information for preauthorization – SJRA offers a dedicated team of preauthorization specialists to make this an easy process for you and your referring provider, to ensure no-hassle scheduling of your appointment.
If your request for preauthorization is denied, you or your healthcare provider can submit an appeal. This is recommended, especially if your doctor disagrees with the company’s decision. Sometimes, your request can be denied for clerical errors like misspellings or incorrect addresses. Appealing will allow your doctor, who is familiar with your specific situation, to speak to another person, rather than communicating digitally.
You can expect your request for insurance to cover your MRI scan to be processed anywhere from a few minutes to a few business days depending on your provider. Insurance companies may deny your MRI because they deem it as not medically necessary. A different scan (like a CT scan) could be enough to diagnose the medical issue, your insurance company may prefer a CT scan because they are less expensive than an MRI.
How Are MRIs and CT Scans Different?
MRI scans and CT scans are similar, but differ in both costs and the type of images. CT scans are less expensive than MRI scans, but MRIs produce sharper, more detailed images. A CT scan can be taken quicker than an MRI scan, but, since an MRI scan uses powerful magnets to produce the images, it does not expose you to ionizing radiation as a CT scan does. Ask your provider about why they prescribed a certain scan, but also trust that they have taken all the benefits and risks into account before reaching a decision.
Does An MRI Work For You?
Getting an MRI scan may be stressful, and paying for it can add to it. Whether you are insured or self-pay, getting your MRI at South Jersey Radiology can save you up to 60% more on your cost. An independent imaging center slowly focuses on imaging, providing you with a comfortable experience and high-quality images for you and your physician.
Set up an appointment at any of the following locations today:
- Marlton (Greentree) Office – Marlton, NJ
- Medford Office – Medford, NJ
- Moorestown Office – Moorestown, NJ
- Mount Laurel Office – Mount Laurel, NJ
- Route 73 (Voorhees) Office – Voorhees Township, NJ
- Turnersville Office – Turnersville, NJ
- Voorhees (Carnie Blvd) Office – Voorhees Township, NJ
- Sewell (Washington Twp) Office – Sewell, NJ
- West Deptford Office – West Deptford, NJ
- Willingboro Office – Willingboro, NJ
Learn more about the board-certified, subspecialized radiologists who read and interpret our studies at SJRA today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of an MRI scan can vary based on factors such as the technical fee, professional fee, and facility fee. The cost includes the price of the machinery, which can range from $150,000 to $3 million. Building a specialized room for the MRI equipment and compensating the radiologists who interpret the results also contribute to the overall cost.
Independent imaging centers like South Jersey Radiology offer MRI scans at a lower cost compared to hospitals. This is because independent imaging centers focus solely on imaging services, whereas hospitals have additional expenses such as emergency departments and high administrative costs.
In most cases, your insurance will cover the cost of an MRI scan if it is medically necessary and recommended by your physician. However, insurance companies may deny coverage for reasons such as considering a different scan (e.g., CT scan) as sufficient or requiring preauthorization to confirm the medical necessity.
If your insurance denies coverage for an MRI, you or your referring provider can submit an appeal. This is particularly recommended if your physician disagrees with the insurance company’s decision. Appeals allow your physician to communicate directly with the insurance company to provide further information and clarification.
The processing time for insurance coverage requests can vary, ranging from a few minutes to a few business days, depending on your insurance provider. Factors such as preauthorization requirements and the specific policies of your insurance company can influence the processing time.
MRI scans and CT scans are both medical imaging techniques but differ in cost and clarity. CT scans are generally less expensive than MRI scans, but MRI scans produce sharper and more detailed images. CT scans are quicker to perform, while MRI scans do not expose you to ionizing radiation as CT scans do. The choice of the scan depends on your specific medical situation and the judgment of your physician.
MRI scans provide detailed images of your internal organs, tissues, and skeletal systems. They allow doctors to closely examine diseased or degraded muscles and joints. If your physician recommends an MRI scan, getting the scan done at an independent imaging center like South Jersey Radiology can save you up to 60% on the cost while providing a comfortable experience and excellent images.