The average cost of a knee MRI without insurance is around $1,200-$2,000 if done at a clinic or outpatient facility. States with more MRI scanning facilities per unit population tend to price their scanning at lower rates for competitive marketing than other states.
Hospital Knee MRI Costs for scanning are often significantly more than those of standalone and freestanding clinics. Your insurance also plays a factor here. If you have insurance with a high deductible, you might need to consider cheaper options, such as freestanding clinics.
Cura4U provides a $9/month plan for those who own small businesses and the self employed, to improve on their health insurance plans. On Cura4U, the cost of an MRI without Contrast in Florida, ranges from $500 to $650.
Additionally, MRI scanning with contrast costs more than MRI scanning without contrast. In Contrast, MRIs are often indicated to study soft tissue injuries and prognosis of soft tissue diseases or to study the normal functioning of a joint.
Cost Of Knee MRI With Cura4U
The table below showcases a simple comparison between the costs of a Knee MRI without insurance and the Cura4U Healthcare Plan.
| Knee MRI Costs | Price |
|---|---|
| Average Hospital Cost (Without Insurance) | $1200 – $4,753 |
| Average Outpatient Facility Cost (Without Insurance) | $259 – $2,042 |
| Cura4U Discounted Cash Price | $500-700 |
MRI Scanning of the Knee
Reports estimate that around 6.6 million US citizens are hospitalized every year for knee-related injuries. The most common diagnoses are strains and sprains to the ligaments constituting 42% of total hospital visits. Then, abrasions and lacerations with 27% and 10% incidents, respectively.
Most of these injuries are sustained during athletic activities, some from road traffic accidents, and some at home during heavy lifting or repeated stresses. There are also certain conditions (such as osteoporosis) that debilitate the use of the knee and need to be examined further.
MRI scans of the knee are often indicated when your physician suspects an underlying pathology that might limit the use of your knee or restrict it in motion and function. Your physician might advise an MRI scan if he or she suspects a condition in case a regular sprain does not heal in a reasonable time frame.
Ice, rest, and rehabilitation are often indicated for sprain and inflammation of the knee joint. If, however, the inflammation persists longer than reasonable your physician might suspect an infection or tumor for which an MRI scan would be necessary.
Common Knee-Related Pathologies
- Swelling: unexplainable, does not subside on its own
- Damaged cartilages, tendons, and ligaments
- Bleeding: uncontrollable, no clotting
- Fractures: X-rays are often advised
- Damage from osteological conditions like osteoporosis
- Damage from rheumatological conditions like arthritis
- Athletic injuries
- Infectious diseases: osteomyelitis
- Prognosis of previous knee injuries
- Prognosis of previous knee surgeries
- Tumors: differentiating between benign and metastatic ones
Preparing for an MRI
MRI scanning is a non-invasive, painless, and quick procedure that usually takes between fifteen to forty-five minutes. The technician will ask you to fill a form to indicate whether or not you have any metallic prosthesis that cannot be removed (in which case you will not be allowed to have an MRI done), and if you’re suffering from claustrophobia or any other condition that might hinder the process.
When Should You Get an MRI Done?
Your regular care physician would typically advise an MRI scan of the knee if he or she suspects an underlying pathology that is not consistent with either their initial diagnosis or that might elaborate on the healing time and prognosis of your knee condition (unexplained swelling, tumors, etc.).
