The cost of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of the knee can depend on what the doctor is looking for, where the test takes place, and whether the patient needs any special care during the procedure. This noninvasive medical test can provide valuable information about what is happening inside the knee and may be used for diagnosis or follow-up. Patients concerned about the cost of a knee MRI can ask for a quote in advance, and those with insurance could request a pre-authorization letter from the insurance company to be assured that the test will be covered.
Some facilities bill separately for image acquisition and for interpretation. When patients look at the cost of a knee MRI, they should determine which services are included in the quoted price. If interpretation and acquisition are bundled together, the cost may appear higher. Separate billing can result in a price that appears low, until the second bill from the radiologist who interpreted the scan arrives.
One issue can be what the doctor wants to locate in the knee. Physicians can request an MRI to evaluate a patient for signs of tears to the muscle and ligaments, damage caused by arthritis, bone injuries, or other issues. The cost of a knee MRI can depend on how many images of the knee the doctor needs to get a complete picture. Patients who need an hour long scan, for example, can expect to pay more than those who only need a half hour imaging session.
Location can be another factor in the cost of a knee MRI. Large urban facilities may charge lower rates because they have a steady flow of patients to subsidize the cost of their equipment and personnel. In more remote areas, expensive MRI equipment may be used more rarely, and facilities may have higher rates to cover the cost.
Patients may want to ask for quotes from several imaging centers to learn more about the range of options available. The type of equipment used for the procedure can play a role as well. The cost of a knee MRI can rise with a newer open MRI machine, for instance, because the equipment was more expensive.
If a contrast material is used during the procedure to highlight certain structures, the cost of a knee MRI can rise. Other treatments that can increase the price of the procedure can include sedation for patients who have difficulty holding still or life support services for patients who need supportive care during the scan. A patient who cannot breathe independently, for instance, may need a respiratory therapist in the room to help out during the test.
