How Much Does MRI of the Brain with and without Contrast Cost?
Also known as: MRI brain with and without contrast (CPT 70553)
A detailed scan of the brain using magnetic imaging, taken both before and after injecting a contrast dye to highlight abnormalities.
MRI of the Brain with and without Contrast (CPT 70553) costs $118 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $356.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much MRI brain with and without contrast costs across different settings and payers
Patient Guide: MRI of the Brain with and without Contrast
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
You will lie on a table that slides into a tube-shaped machine. The machine makes loud knocking sounds. A dye will be injected through an IV partway through the scan.
How Long Does It Take?
45-90 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Headaches, seizures, suspected tumor, stroke follow-up, multiple sclerosis, dizziness
How to Prepare
Remove all metal jewelry and clothing with metal. Inform staff if you have implants, pacemakers, or claustrophobia. You may receive earplugs.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside MRI brain with and without contrast
MRI brain with and without contrast Cost by Location
Medicare-adjusted rates across CMS localities
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $369 | $480 — $738 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $286 | $372 — $573 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $282 | $367 — $565 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $310 | $404 — $621 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $341 | $443 — $682 |
| CA — CHICO | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — FRESNO | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $363 | $472 — $727 |
| CA — MADERA | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — MERCED | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — MODESTO | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — NAPA | $396 | $515 — $793 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $362 | $471 — $724 |
| CA — REDDING | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $340 | $442 — $680 |
| CA — RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO-ONTARIO | $342 | $445 — $684 |
| CA — SACRAMENTO-ROSEVILLE-FOLSOM | $358 | $465 — $715 |
| CA — SALINAS | $356 | $463 — $713 |
| CA — SAN DIEGO-CHULA VISTA-CARLSBAD | $365 | $475 — $730 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (MARIN CNTY) | $420 | $547 — $841 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (SAN FRANCISCO/SAN MATEO/ALAMEDA/CONTRA COSTA CNTY) | $420 | $546 — $841 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SAN BENITO CNTY) | $430 | $559 — $859 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SANTA CLARA CNTY) | $429 | $558 — $858 |
How to Reduce Your Cost for MRI brain with and without contrast
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
For this procedure, the office rate ($438) differs from the facility rate ($118). Ask if it can be done in an office setting.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Medicare rates for this procedure range from $182 to $430 depending on location. Commercial rates vary even more.
- 4 Check ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
This procedure is available at ASCs for $193, compared to $356 at hospital outpatient departments. ASCs often offer lower costs with comparable quality.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU () x CF ($33.40) = N/A
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does MRI brain with and without contrast cost?
The Medicare facility rate for MRI brain with and without contrast is $118. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $356. At an ambulatory surgery center, the rate is $193. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does MRI brain with and without contrast cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of MRI brain with and without contrast can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover MRI brain with and without contrast?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover MRI brain with and without contrast when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.