If your doctor recommends an MRI, the last thing you should have to worry about is cost. However, the reality is that diagnostic services can be expensive, especially if you do not have insurance. So how can you save money when you need an imaging exam?
The team at Alliance MRI breaks down the price differences between hospital and outpatient services and why independent centers are the better choice in this blog.
Hospital Based Versus Freestanding Outpatient Imaging Services
Why are hospitals more expensive? Getting an MRI at a hospital is typically more costly due to the operational fees of running equipment 24/7, all year round. They also have third-party fees, specialist fees and other costs. The bigger the facility, typically the more expensive the exam is going to be.
Outpatient imaging services or independent centers like Alliance MRI can offer cheaper diagnostics services because they have lower overhead costs. These centers follow more typical business hours versus hospitals that never close, therefore are less expensive to run. With less overhead costs, they can offer lower prices for MRI’s, X-Rays, arthrograms and more.
How Patients Can Save Money
For an MRI, prices can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands. If you need an MRI or another imaging exam, it is worth it to compare the prices of different facilities. Where you choose to schedule your imaging service will make the biggest difference in final costs.
Before scheduling the imaging service, do some research and determine who takes your insurance and what the out-of-pocket costs will be if any. When you compare the prices of local independent diagnostic centers and hospitals, there is likely to be a clear difference.
Choose Alliance MRI
Alliance helps save patients money on MRI’s by accepting all major insurances and offering prices significantly lower than hospitals. Your health is our priority, and we are dedicated to working with your physician and insurance to provide you with the care you need. Reach out today to any of our thirteen locations to schedule an affordable imaging service.