Foo - Cost of MRI?

Is anybody here familiar with MRI pricing?
What would the cost be for an MRI investigating a shoulder injury, hte possibility of a tear of rotator cuff. A doctor said it is something like dye is injected, and the MRI tracks where the dye goes, I am not a medical expert.

Are you covered ny medical insurance?

Its not for me, its a long story but this is for a friend (same one I mentioned in my typing program question). Her father works for the Navy as an Engineer at the shipyard, I am positive there is medical insurance.

Then MRI cost shouldn't be a huge deal. Some insurance companies require a referral, but once that has been done, the cost is not going to be a crusher unless their insurance is pathetic (which I kind of doubt if dad works in the shipyard). If there isn't insurance, the choice is more like MRI vs a semester of tuition at an accredited college.

When you say referral, do you mean like a doctor saying it needs to be done? She had Xrays, they determined said problem is not bone related, so she had an appointment with a physiatrist, who said it was necessary.

I just had one on my knee. I'm fine, just tendonitis. My insuracnce covered all but $100 of the $1100 and change. It woulds sucked to have to pay the whole thing myself.

When you say referral, do you mean like a doctor saying it needs to be done? She had Xrays, they determined said problem is not bone related, so she had an appointment with a physiatrist, who said it was necessary.

Exactly. Depending on the insurance, either the doctor who did the x-rays, or their regular doctor (primary care physician), will probably need to schedule the appointment. Doctors are pretty savvy about knowing and following the rules for insurance, so if there are any questions, either the doctor's office, or the insurance company should be able to answer them.

Thanks USAZorro

probably about $4000... that's what they charge for the one they did on my ears.

Had one on my neck when I broke it.
$1000 was charged to my insurance co.

--A

Avg cost for a self pay is about $1500.00. Insurance Co gets a discount due to leverage.http://stat.livejournal.com/img/mood/ibrad/erked.gif

just had mri on brain...1750 total, after insurance i owe 700