MRI costs

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sophisticated, non-invasive imaging technique used in hospitals and clinics to produce detailed soft tissue anatomical images. The cost of a single MRI scan ranges between $400 to $10,500 depending on the area of the body that is examined and where the MRI scan is performed. 

An average MRI machine costs more than $1 million dollars, so when a MRI scan is made, a high price is charged to cover the expense of the machine. It also includes the cost of the gadolinium-contrast agent (if used), the cost of medical staff (nurses, radiologists and MRI technicians), and administrative costs. 

On average, a brain MRI costs between $1,600 and $8,400 in the US; a neck MRI between $500 and $11,800; a chest MRI between $500 and $7,900; a breast MRI between $500 and $10,300; an abdominal MRI between $1,600 and $7,600; a pelvic MRI between $500 and $7,900; an MRI of the upper extremity between $1,050 and $7,000; an MRI of the lower extremity between $975 and $6,300; a cardiac MRI between $430 and $6,500; a bone MRI between $410 and $2,100. 

Learn more about PET scan costs and CT scanners cost.