MRI Cost by Body Part: Knee, Spine, Brain, Shoulder and Contrast
How the body area, contrast dye and number of regions change what an MRI costs, with CPT codes to quote when you shop for a price.
What you pay for an MRI changes with the body area scanned, whether contrast dye is used, and how many regions your doctor orders. A single joint without contrast is usually at the lower end of the price range, while abdominal, pelvic, breast and cardiac studies or any scan "with and without contrast" cost more. The reason is time on the scanner, the complexity of the protocol and the radiologist's reading effort. This guide explains the common scan types and the billing codes that identify them, so you can compare quotes for exactly the same study.
Why the code matters more than the body part
Billers identify an MRI by a five-digit CPT code. Two offices asked for "a spine MRI" may be quoting different regions (cervical, thoracic or lumbar), or with versus without contrast. If you ask each place to price the same code, you can compare. Ask your doctor's office for the code and the exact wording of the order.
| Study | Common CPT code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brain without contrast | 70551 | Frequently ordered for headaches, dizziness, follow-up |
| Brain with contrast | 70552 | Used to look for certain tumors and inflammation |
| Brain without, then with contrast | 70553 | Longest of the three brain studies |
| Cervical spine without contrast | 72141 | Neck pain, nerve symptoms |
| Lumbar spine without contrast | 72148 | Low back pain, sciatica |
| Lower-limb joint (knee, ankle) without contrast | 73721 | Knee injuries and cartilage problems |
| Upper-limb joint (shoulder, elbow) without contrast | 73221 | Rotator cuff and labrum problems |
| Abdomen without, then with contrast | 74183 | Liver, kidney, pancreas evaluations |
Codes are updated periodically by the American Medical Association, so confirm the current code with the ordering office. Prices for a given code vary widely by provider, as explained in our self-pay price guide.
How the main cost drivers work
Body area and complexity. Joint scans are typically shorter, usually 20 to 45 minutes, and require a simpler protocol. Spine, brain and pelvis studies use multiple sequences. Cardiac, breast, prostate and MR angiography studies need specialized coils, software and radiologist training, and are priced higher.
Contrast. Many scans do not need contrast. When your doctor orders it, a gadolinium-based agent is injected into a vein. Contrast adds the cost of the agent, supplies and technologist time, and may require a recent kidney function result. A "with and without contrast" study scans twice, so it takes longer and costs more than a plain scan.
Number of regions. Scanning both knees or the whole spine is billed as more than one study. Some centers discount a second area done the same day; ask.
Scanner and time slot. 3 Tesla scanners are not necessarily more expensive for patients, but some centers charge more for newer equipment. After-hours slots are sometimes cheaper.
Sedation or anesthesia. If you need sedation for anxiety or for a child, expect extra professional and monitoring fees, and a hospital-based setting.
Illustrative cost ladder
The ranges below are examples to show the order of magnitude, not quotes. Use the price estimator for your own numbers.
| Study type | Relative cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Single joint, no contrast | Lowest | Short protocol, simple read |
| Spine segment, no contrast | Low to moderate | More sequences |
| Brain, no contrast | Moderate | Detailed protocol |
| Any study with contrast | Moderate to high | Added agent, time and screening |
| Abdomen or pelvis with and without contrast | High | Long study, complex read |
| Breast, cardiac or prostate protocols | High | Specialized equipment and reading |
| Study with sedation | Highest | Monitoring and facility requirements |
Worked example (illustrative)
Your doctor orders a lumbar spine MRI (72148) and a knee MRI (73721) for separate problems, both without contrast.
- Lumbar spine quoted at $600 all-in.
- Knee quoted at $480 all-in.
- The center offers $50 off the second study if both are done the same day.
Total: $600 + $480 − $50 = $1,030. If you scheduled them separately you would pay $1,080, so booking both together saves $50. If another center quotes $1,400 for the pair, the first center remains cheaper.
Do you really need contrast?
Contrast helps radiologists see inflammation, tumors, infection and blood vessels. It is not required for many joint and routine spine studies. Do not skip contrast on your own, and do not decline it just to save money if your doctor says it is needed. Instead, ask your doctor:
- Is contrast essential to answer my question?
- Would a version without contrast be adequate first?
- If I need it, should I tell the center about my kidney function and any past allergic reactions?
Contrast safety screening is covered in MRI risks, side effects and red flags.
Cheaper does not mean the same study
When you compare prices, check that:
- The code matches exactly.
- The magnet is appropriate for your study (a lower-field open scanner may be adequate for some joint scans but less suited to detailed brain or prostate imaging; your doctor can advise).
- The radiologist reads the study at a subspecialty level if that matters for your condition, such as a musculoskeletal radiologist for a complex joint.
Common mistakes
- Comparing a quote for a scan without contrast against one with contrast.
- Forgetting the radiologist's reading fee.
- Allowing an add-on region that your doctor did not order.
- Assuming a screening scan is covered by insurance.
When to consult a professional
Your ordering clinician decides which scan, which region and whether contrast is needed. A radiology department's patient line can explain the protocol. This guide helps you compare prices and does not change a medical order.
Frequently asked questions
Is a knee MRI cheaper than a brain MRI?
Usually, because the protocol is shorter, but the gap varies by provider.
Does contrast always double the price?
No. It adds the agent, supplies and time, and the effect varies by center. A study "with and without" takes longer than one without.
Can I ask for a discount on a second scan?
Yes. Some centers discount a second area done the same day.
Where can I find the code for my scan?
On your doctor's order or referral, or by asking the ordering office.
Sources
- RadiologyInfo.org — patient descriptions of specific MRI exams
- American College of Radiology — imaging guidance and accreditation
- American Medical Association — CPT code set
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — price transparency and estimates
