How Much Does An MRI Cost In South Jersey?
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 can vary depending on what part of your body is being imaged, where your MRI is performed, your insurance coverage, and many other factors. MRIs require advanced equipment, and specialized staffing to produce, but the results speak for themselves: MRIs 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 doctors to take a closer look at any diseased or degraded muscles or joints. In the same way, getting an MRI is an investment, getting an MRI machine, room, and professionals is an investment for a hospital or an independent imaging clinic. Independent clinics, 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 can be broken down into a technical fee, professional fee, and 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 at a hospital will be more expensive than at a freestanding radiology office. 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 hospital facilities but make you a priority and a patient rather than just another number.
The best way to save money on your MRI is to get your imaging done at an independent radiology office, 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 outside clinic. 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 preauthorization resources to make this an easy process for you and your provider.
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 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 & CT Scans Different?
MRI and CT scans are similar but differ in both cost and in the type of image. CT scans are less expensive than MRIs, but MRIs produce sharper, more detailed images. A CT scan can be taken quicker than an MRI, but, since an MRI uses powerful magnets to produce the images, it does not expose you to ionizing radiation as a CT scan does. Ask your doctor 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 can be stressful and paying for it can be even more stressful. Whether you are insured or self-pay, studies have proven that getting your scans completed at an independent imaging center can save you up to 60% on your MRI in South Jersey. Not only will you be saving money, but you will also be getting your scan at a location focused solely on imaging and providing you with a comfortable experience and excellent images. Let us alleviate your anxiety at South Jersey Radiology. We can help you schedule your MRI today! Contact us to get the process started.
You can set up an appointment at any of the following locations where our dependable, courteous, and professional staff will be ready to perform your scan.
- Route 73 Office – Voorhees, NJ
- Greentree Office – Marlton, NJ
- Washington Township Office – Sewell, NJ
- Turnersville Office – Washington Township, NJ
- Voorhees Office – Voorhees, NJ
- West Deptford Office – West Deptford, NJ
(Learn more about the board-certified sub-specialized Radiologists who read and interpret studies at SJRA here.)