GoodMRI

Cheap MRI in New York City starting at $298

GoodMRI offers free access to low cost MRI procedures in New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island) and the surrounding New York City Metro Area. 

The starting cost of an MRI through GoodMRI is $298, whereas the average starting cost of an MRI in New York City is between $400 and $1000. 

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Here are some example MRI prices offered through GoodMRI and its partners compared to NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital and Lenox Hill Hospital, which are leading hospitals in NYC.

Body part GoodMRINYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital self-pay (price list)Lenox Hill Hospital self-pay(price list)
MRI of the Brain without contrast: $298$1,042$1,134
MRI of the Spine without contrast: $282$1,133$1,039
MRI of the Knee without contrast: $298$1,201$722
MRI of the Abdomen without contrast: $290 $1,094$1,047
MRI of the Shoulder without contrast: $299 $1,201$722
MRI of the Pelvis without contrast: $339$771$1,134
MRI of the Hip without contrast: $298$1,201$722
MRI of the Heart (Cardiac MRI) without contrast: $438$2,067$1,225
MRI of the Breast without contrast: $338$1,458$3,226
MRI of the Ankle without contrast: $298 $1,201$722
MRI of the Foot without contrast: $298$1,201$722
*Table last updated 7/2/2024

Factors Determining MRI Prices in New York City

When it comes to determining the price of an MRI in New York City, several key factors come into play, including the location, type of facility, body part being scanned, whether contrast is used, insurance status, and if the payment is out-of-pocket. Each of these elements can significantly impact the overall cost, making it essential for patients to understand these variables when searching for low cost MRI options in NYC.

Location

Location plays a significant role in MRI pricing. In a city as large and diverse as New York, MRI costs can vary widely depending on the neighborhood. For example, an MRI at a high-end facility in Manhattan, like Lenox Hill Radiology on the Upper East Side, might charge significantly more compared to a clinic in the outer boroughs, such as the MRI services provided by AdvantageCare Physicians in Staten Island or Brooklyn. The convenience and prestige of a central Manhattan location typically come with a higher price tag due to elevated operating costs and rent. This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find a cheap MRI in Manhattan, but there are fewer of them than in the outer boroughs.

Facility Type

The type of facility also affects the price. Hospitals and specialized imaging centers tend to have higher prices than standalone clinics or outpatient centers. For instance, a scan at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, a top-rated facility with advanced equipment and specialized staff, will likely cost more than an MRI at RadNet’s Park Avenue Radiologists, which focuses specifically on outpatient imaging. Additionally, facilities with newer, more sophisticated MRI machines might charge more due to the higher quality of imaging provided. Some other examples of more expensive facilities include: 

Body Part

The body part being scanned is another critical factor in pricing. Certain scans require more complex imaging techniques and longer scan times, thus costing more. For example, an MRI of the brain or spine, which often requires more detailed imaging and interpretation, can be more expensive than a scan of a limb. At NYU Langone Health’s imaging centers, an MRI of the brain might cost upwards of $1,500, whereas an MRI of the knee might be closer to $800. The complexity and necessity for detailed imaging drive these price differences.

Contrast Agent

Whether the MRI is performed with or without contrast can greatly influence the cost. Contrast-enhanced MRIs involve the injection of a special dye that highlights certain tissues or blood vessels, aiding in the detection of abnormalities. This procedure adds to both the complexity and cost of the scan. For example, at Weill Cornell Imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian, an MRI with contrast can be several hundred dollars more expensive than a standard MRI without contrast, reflecting the additional materials and time required.

Insurance

Insurance status significantly impacts the price one pays for an MRI. Patients with insurance often have their costs partially covered, depending on their plan and provider network. For instance, a patient with comprehensive coverage under a provider like UnitedHealthcare might pay a reduced rate or a copayment for their MRI at Mount Sinai Radiology. On the other hand, those without insurance face the full list price, which can be substantial. This disparity makes it crucial for uninsured patients to shop around for the best cash price. 

Sometimes, it’s actually cheaper to get an MRI without using your health insurance, even though it might seem like insurance would always lower the cost. This usually happens when you have a high deductible that you haven’t fully paid yet.

Let’s break it down with an example:

Imagine someone has Aetna health insurance and still needs to pay $1000 to meet their deductible. They need a knee MRI, and the hospital has an agreement with Aetna to charge $2400 for the MRI. If the person uses their insurance, they would pay the $1000 left on their deductible, and Aetna would cover the remaining $1400.

But here’s the catch: the same hospital might charge only $400 for a knee MRI if you pay without insurance. In this case, it’s cheaper to choose self-pay and pay the $400 out of pocket than to use insurance and pay $1000.

However, there’s a downside. Paying with cash means you won’t be contributing towards your deductible, which could be important if you have more medical expenses later in the year.

Self-pay

Self-pay or out-of-pocket costs can vary widely across facilities. Some centers offer discounted rates for patients paying out of pocket to attract more self-pay customers. For example, at the City Wide Radiolody center in Brooklyn, self-pay patients might find prices starting at around $500, which is significantly lower than what they might be quoted at a larger hospital. These facilities often provide transparent pricing and may offer payment plans to accommodate patients’ financial situations.

How to find a cheap self-pay MRI in NY without insurance

Navigating the healthcare landscape without insurance or a high deductible can be daunting, especially in a bustling metropolis like New York City. However, finding an affordable self-pay MRI at an imaging center is possible with some strategic steps and resources. Here’s a guide to help you locate cost-effective MRI services in NYC if you’re paying out-of-pocket.

Start with Research and Comparison Tools

Begin by utilizing online resources that provide price comparisons for medical procedures. Websites like Turquoise Health, New Choice Health, and RadiologyAssist offer tools that allow you to compare MRI costs across different hospitals and imaging centers in New York City. These platforms typically provide average price ranges for various types of MRIs, helping you identify which facilities offer the most competitive rates. Additionally, review sites like Yelp or Google Reviews can provide insights from other patients regarding cost and service quality at different imaging centers.

GoodMRI is another resource that takes the guess work out of finding a low cost MRI location. All you need to do is take our 2 minute quiz and we’ll send you MRI locations that are tailored to your unique needs.

Take the free quiz and get an affordable MRI

Focus on Independent Imaging Centers

Independent or standalone imaging centers often have lower operational costs compared to large hospitals and may offer more affordable rates for MRIs. For example, facilities like Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology or ProHEALTH Imaging frequently cater to self-pay patients with transparent and lower pricing structures. These centers typically provide upfront pricing information and may even offer discounted rates for cash payments, which can be significantly lower than those at major hospital systems.

Some other examples of independent imaging centers in New York that have a focus on quality and cost-effective care.

Manhattan

Brooklyn

Bronx

Queens

  • Dynamic Medical Imaging
    • Address: 35-02 Parsons Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354
  • Jackson Heights Imaging Center
    • Address: 37-44 76th St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372

Look for Special Offers and Payment Plans

Many imaging centers in NYC provide special rates or discounts for self-pay patients. Contact imaging centers directly to inquire about their pricing for uninsured patients and ask if they offer any discounts for paying in cash. Centers like Lenox Hill Radiology or RadNet often have pricing options specifically designed for patients without insurance. Additionally, some centers may provide flexible payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of the MRI over several months, easing the financial burden.

Utilize Patient Advocacy and Assistance Programs

Patient advocacy organizations and assistance programs can be invaluable resources for finding low cost medical imaging services. Groups like Patient Advocate Foundation or NeedyMeds can provide guidance on accessing discounted healthcare services and may offer directories of facilities that cater to uninsured patients. Furthermore, some non-profit organizations in New York City, such as NYC Health + Hospitals, offer sliding scale fees based on income, which can make MRIs cheaper for uninsured individuals. They offer two programs: 1) NYC Care and 2) Options. (NYC Health + Hospitals Financial Assistance)

NYC Care Program

NYC Care is designed for New Yorkers who do not qualify for or cannot afford health insurance. This program offers:

  • No membership fees: There are no monthly premiums or membership fees. Instead, costs are based on your ability to pay, determined by your family size and income level.
  • Reduced rates for services: You pay for the healthcare services you receive at reduced rates, which are significantly lower than standard fees.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Members can access a wide range of services, including primary care, specialty care, and urgent care.

Enrollment in NYC Care provides access to care at all NYC Health + Hospitals locations and helps ensure that healthcare is affordable and accessible regardless of immigration status or ability to pay​ (NYC Care)​.

Options Program

The Options program extends financial assistance to individuals and families who are uninsured and do not qualify for NYC Care. It covers:

  • Sliding scale fees: This program uses a sliding scale to determine the cost of services based on household income. This means that those with lower incomes will pay less for medical services.
  • Access to a broad range of services: Like NYC Care, the Options program covers various services, including routine and preventive care, specialty care, and diagnostic services like MRIs​

Consider Community Health Centers

Community health centers and clinics often provide essential healthcare services, including diagnostic imaging, at reduced rates. Facilities like The Institute for Family Health or Ryan Health in NYC may have partnerships with imaging centers or provide referrals to low cost MRI services. These centers are designed to support underserved populations and often offer comprehensive care with a focus on affordability.

By leveraging these strategies, you can navigate the process of finding an affordable MRI in New York City without insurance. It’s crucial to be proactive, ask questions, and compare options to ensure you receive the necessary imaging at a cost that fits your budget.

Good MRI can help you find a cheap MRI

GoodMRI partners with imaging centers across New York City to provide high quality and affordable MRI services that often end up being cheaper than many self-pay options. We’ll able to keep prices low because we have volume discounting agreements and centralized backend functions – we then pass these savings to our customers because our mission is to make MRIs accessible to all. You can join the GoodMRI network for free, with or without insurance. Simply fill out our 2 minute survey and we’ll find you low cost MRI locations that are tailored to your unique needs.

Take our 2 minute survey and join the GoodMRI network for free