MRI shops so abundant...... (Fort Worth: insurance, deductible, price)

[Squirl]

I've noticed many MRI places as I drive around on my daily routine. It has struck a chord with me because over a decade ago my late DH needed to go for MRI's every couple of weeks and we drove into Fort Worth for his MRI's.

Now, my doc has recently ordered that I get an MRI on my hand. With a $2K insurance deductible, I am wondering if it makes sense to shop around and see if the rates vary...since there are so many around....rather than simply go where the doc said to go. Anyone know if there is competition in rates among the different MRI places? Or differences I should be aware of? Or even what an MRI costs?

[loves2read]

do you not have insurance to cover at least part of that proceedure?
and would not the insurance dictate where you go?

[Squirl]

Originally Posted by loves2read

do you not have insurance to cover at least part of that proceedure?
and would not the insurance dictate where you go?

Open choice plan w/ $2K deductible. Therefore, this is on my own nickel.

[tyanger]

You can get a non-contrast MRI for $450.00 (with contrast $550.00). I can PM you the details if that price fits your budget. That's the cash price for people with no medical insurance.

(other studies FYI : Sono $190, Vascular sono $250, CT without $300, CT with $400, 2view XR = $50, 3view XR $80, 4 or more view XR $90)

[Squirl]

Originally Posted by tyanger

You can get a non-contrast MRI for $450.00 (with contrast $550.00). I can PM you the details if that price fits your budget. That's the cash price for people with no medical insurance.

(other studies FYI : Sono $190, Vascular sono $250, CT without $300, CT with $400, 2view XR = $50, 3view XR $80, 4 or more view XR $90)

Would appreciate that! I was just quoted $700 by the place my doc referred me to, and yes I need a contrast MRI.

[GreyDay]

Originally Posted by Squirl

I've noticed many MRI places as I drive around on my daily routine. It has struck a chord with me because over a decade ago my late DH needed to go for MRI's every couple of weeks and we drove into Fort Worth for his MRI's.

Now, my doc has recently ordered that I get an MRI on my hand. With a $2K insurance deductible, I am wondering if it makes sense to shop around and see if the rates vary...since there are so many around....rather than simply go where the doc said to go. Anyone know if there is competition in rates among the different MRI places? Or differences I should be aware of? Or even what an MRI costs?

Why do you need an MRI of your hand?

[Squirl]

Originally Posted by ganongrey

Why do you need an MRI of your hand?

Rheumatologist and my family doctor are having a dialogue about what kind of arthritis it is. Rheumatologist was leaning toward atypical RA (sed rate doesn't support RA, waiting on blood panel) but its not symetrical in both hands. My family doctor pushing for MRI. I'm pretty convinced its osteoarthritis and will get a 2nd opinion before I agree to medication therapy unless blood panel tells another story.

[GreyDay]

An MRI isn't the absolute best test for RA. A plain film/xray should be able to show joint narrowing, osteophytes (bone spurs) pretty easily. It's pretty much a clinical diagnosis. Have you seen a hand or upper extremity surgeon first? If anyone should be ordering an MRI, it's them.

Unilaterality rules out RA to an extent and thumb osteo is notorious for being unilateral.

But the simple test, if you're over 60 with swelling and stiffness, it's likely arthritis.

[Squirl]

Originally Posted by ganongrey

An MRI isn't the absolute best test for RA. A plain film/xray should be able to show joint narrowing, osteophytes (bone spurs) pretty easily. It's pretty much a clinical diagnosis. Have you seen a hand or upper extremity surgeon first? If anyone should be ordering an MRI, it's them.

Unilaterality rules out RA to an extent and thumb osteo is notorious for being unilateral.

But the simple test, if you're over 60 with swelling and stiffness, it's likely arthritis.

Thanks so very much. I have tried to educate myself on this and you are confirming what I have read. I spend my money on a second opinion with a orthopedist before I continue with the MRI......

[GreyDay]

Well the kicker is if it's arthritis, unless you're unable to do your activities, you'll be started on a COX-2 like Celebrex and you can start that empirically.

If it's RA, then maybe embrel or an injectable comes into play and perhaps even Methotrexate, but likely you'll go the Celebrex, Mobic route.