MRI of the brain (without contrast): cost and price ranges
MRI of the brain (without contrast). An MRI of the brain without contrast (often billed under CPT 70551) is one of the most-shopped outpatient imaging procedures because prices vary widely between hospitals and freestanding imaging centers. Cash and negotiated prices for the same scan can differ by several thousand dollars within a single metro.
Source: FAIR Health (Cost of Giving Birth tracker & FH Consumer), Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, Sidecar Health cost guides, CMS/Medicare Procedure Price Lookup, and published hospital cash-price analyses. Data as of 2026-06-13.
What it is
An MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain. “Without contrast” means no gadolinium dye is injected, which keeps the price lower and avoids a contrast charge.
Why it is shoppable
It is a planned, non-emergency, standardized scan, so you usually have time to compare prices and choose where to go — exactly the kind of “shoppable” service the federal price-transparency rule targets.
Estimated price ranges by metro
Price type: Typical published price estimate (facility/procedure cash price for imaging & outpatient; all-in total cost for inpatient), USD. Figures are estimates compiled from published price-transparency sources (see the notice above), not per-hospital quotes.
| Metro | Lower-cost est. | Typical est. | Higher-cost est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $550 | $960 | $4,200 |
| Houston, TX | $450 | $830 | $3,300 |
| Denver, CO | $480 | $850 | $3,500 |
Source: FAIR Health (Cost of Giving Birth tracker & FH Consumer), Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, Sidecar Health cost guides, CMS/Medicare Procedure Price Lookup, and published hospital cash-price analyses. Data as of 2026-06-13. See full per-metro detail:
What drives the cost
- Facility type — hospital outpatient departments typically cost more than freestanding imaging centers.
- Whether contrast dye is used (a separate line item).
- Radiologist read fee, which may be billed separately from the facility/technical fee.
- Your insurer’s negotiated rate versus the cash/self-pay price.
Questions to ask before you book
- Is this the technical fee only, or does it include the radiologist’s read?
- What is the all-in self-pay (cash) price if I don’t use insurance?
- Can the scan be done at a freestanding imaging center instead of the hospital?
Frequently asked questions
What is a brain mri and why do prices vary so much?
An MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain. “Without contrast” means no gadolinium dye is injected, which keeps the price lower and avoids a contrast charge. It is a planned, non-emergency, standardized scan, so you usually have time to compare prices and choose where to go — exactly the kind of “shoppable” service the federal price-transparency rule targets. Prices vary because each hospital sets its own charges and negotiates different rates with each insurer.
Is a brain mri a shoppable procedure?
It is a planned, non-emergency, standardized scan, so you usually have time to compare prices and choose where to go — exactly the kind of “shoppable” service the federal price-transparency rule targets.
How can I lower the cost of a brain mri?
Compare several facilities, ask for the all-in self-pay (cash) price, and confirm which professional fees (such as anesthesia or the physician read) are billed separately. Is this the technical fee only, or does it include the radiologist’s read?
Medical and billing disclaimer
This explainer is general information, not medical, billing or financial advice. Procedure
coding (such as the CPT/DRG hints shown, e.g. 70551) is simplified;
your actual bill depends on your clinician, insurer and clinical circumstances. See our full
disclaimer.
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Last updated: 2026-06-13