Cash price of an MRI scan

[injuryupdate]

The restriction of MRI funding in Australia, like a lot of Medicare outcomes, has lead to pretty cheap prices by world standards.

How much does an MRI cost if you are a private individual paying full price?

I've heard in Melbourne it is pretty much $250 a scan wherever you go. In Sydney the price varies from $175 at Pennant Hills to $500 with $275 probably the average price.

A lot of people are happy to pay this. Whilst a consultation with a specialist can lead to a rebatable MRI scan, often the gap for the specialist is $100 and then the gap for the MRI is $150 so the price is exactly the same if you are just going to the specialist to get an MRI referral.

[injuryupdate]

An MRI scan at the Mayne Prince of Wales research scanner in Randwick, Sydney, has gone up to $300 cash for a private scan, but this is a 3T resolution machine, which is the strongest magnet in Australia. Most 'good' quality scanners are 1.5 Telsa strength.

Like many other imaging modalities, the quality of the technician (in terms of taking the best slices) and the radiologist (in terms of reading the films), and even the quality of the request form (i.e. requesting doctor knowing what views to ask for in the right clinical context) are all probably as important as the quality of the MRI machine.

[sydunisportsmed]

Southern Radiology at Miranda:

32-36 Urunga Parade
Miranda 2228, Tel 95256055; Fax 95251055

Has a non-Medicare MRI scan which will do Cash MRI scans for $200. Quality pretty reasonable so a good option for those without a specialist referral in Sydney.

[deegee]

how much does an MRI scan cost (in melbourne) coz i may need to get one in about a month once i see the surgeon again towards end of september. Last time i had an MRI it cost me $60 coz i had a health care card. But now i dont have one and would like to know how much i'll most likely be in for.

Also, is there much of a waiting list? or can you get in pretty quick?

thanks

[rob762]

how much does an MRI scan cost

My experience 2 weeks ago:

$533.20 (for a knee, for example)
Three day wait

[deegee]

My experience 2 weeks ago:

$533.20 (for a knee, for example)
Three day wait

guess ill start saving!

[SPK]

If you can get a referral then your Surgeon or whomever then can claim a huge chunk of it back from Medicare.

I paid $400 for my MRI and I got back about $340. No complaints there.

[injuryupdate]

The whomever with respect to MRI referrals must be a 'specialist' according to the government. Sports physicians aren't considered specialists, just doctors who specialise in sports medicine. Effectively this is the government's way of saying that if you did your injury playing sport, we don't want to fund the imaging, but if you did it via some other activity we will fund it.

A psychiatrist, gynaecologist, dermatologist, respiratory physician, anaesthetist etc. can all order a knee MRI scan under Medicare, but a sports physician cannot (in Australia, that is).

[deegee]

So can my orthopaedic surgeon order an MRI scan (with medicare rebate) for my knee when i see him on wednesday? Thats if i require one.

[injuryupdate]

An orthopaedic surgeon CAN order an MRI scan under Medicare, but a sports physician or GP can't.

[SPK]

The whomever with respect to MRI referrals must be a 'specialist' according to the government. Sports physicians aren't considered specialists, just doctors who specialise in sports medicine. Effectively this is the government's way of saying that if you did your injury playing sport, we don't want to fund the imaging, but if you did it via some other activity we will fund it.

A psychiatrist, gynaecologist, dermatologist, respiratory physician, anaesthetist etc. can all order a knee MRI scan under Medicare, but a sports physician cannot (in Australia, that is).

So basically you're saying that if I was hurt playing Footy and went to see a Shrink, he could give me a referral for an MRI but a Sports Physician, who is actually treating me wouldn't be able to do a thing about it, other then suggest I pay the full price?

That's so wrong I don't even know where to begin.

[injuryupdate]

Do you feel like writing a letter to the Health Minister, Tony Abbott, and letting him know?

Or possibly writing to the AMA and asking them why they aren't in the slightest bit concerned about this (which they aren't)?

Who said medicine was a 'closed shop'?

As a sports physician I have seriously had many occasions where I have treated the partner/child/sibling of another doctor for a sports injury (often referred by their doctor family member) and I have recommended that they need an MRI scan but that Medicare won't pay for it if I write the scan. In all occasions they just get the so-called specialist doctor family member, who might be a shrink or a gynae or an ENT surgeon or whatever to write out the form and claim from Medicare. I don't think in any of these occasions (which I reckon would have happened 30-40 times) has the doctor involved written or spoken to the AMA or the health department and said "what the hell is going on that I have to write an MRI form to get this scan recognised by Medicare, just because the doctor who is an expert in this area is not permitted to order the test under your system?"

[SPK]

Now that I remember, my Doc had to have the OS from the clinic sign the Referral for me because he said he couldn't do it.

It sounds like you're pretty passionate about this topic. I gather you've had this discussion many times before?

You wouldn't like to provide me with a relevant email by any chance would you IU? By PM if you'd rather.

I'd be more then happy to voice my opinon to the AMA and/or Abbott. I doubt it'd make a lick of difference, but at the very least it'll give them some food for thought. Maybe.

[injuryupdate]

Emails for the relevant people to write to are at:

http://users.bigpond.net.au/johnorchard/patient_fees.htm

I agree with you that the government are unlikely to care, and sadly the AMA are unlikely to care. Only a very small percentage of sports physicians are AMA members, basically because the AMA, like the government, doesn't recognise sports medicine as a specialty. The AMA looks at the numbers and sees only 130 sports physicians in Australia and probably thinks it is keeping its 10000 or so members who aren't sports physicians happy by not conferring such a small group equal status.

The only people who really get hurt by all of this are patients who can't afford to use sports physicians. Market forces allow the small number of sports physicians around to keep their fees rather high, and many average punters just need to use other doctors to treat their sports injuries who have no training in the area. This is the real pity.

[Bett]

An MRI scan at the Mayne Prince of Wales research scanner in Randwick, Sydney, has gone up to $300 cash for a private scan, but this is a 3T resolution machine, which is the strongest magnet in Australia. Most 'good' quality scanners are 1.5 Telsa strength.

Like many other imaging modalities, the quality of the technician (in terms of taking the best slices) and the radiologist (in terms of reading the films), and even the quality of the request form (i.e. requesting doctor knowing what views to ask for in the right clinical context) are all probably as important as the quality of the MRI machine.

Does stronger mangets mean there is more room inside the MRI machine? Due to my size I have found them to be cramped and closterfobic.

[Help]

Prices vary widely

[Help]

Does anyone know where the best facility is in Sydney? I understand that the machine at the Prince of Wales is near brand-new.

No doubt, with each generation, these machines are getting better all the time.

[Help]

Does stronger mangets mean there is more room inside the MRI machine? Due to my size I have found them to be cramped and closterfobic.

Does anyone have a comment on the strength/quality of the MRI machine at St Vincent's facility in Darlinghurst?

[Nicholas]

I am not sure. Those hospitals are pretty good but I'd say that if I had the choice between them, then I'd pick The Prince of Wales. I live close to both though. In case you don't live in Sydney, Prince of Wales and St Vinicents are Sydney hospitals.

[Rob N]

Bett:
Waiting list for an MRI in Canada caused me to cross the border to Buffalo U.S.A. to get an MRI the next day (approx. $580 Cdn). $300 seems like a bargain. Buying my MRI (knee injury) was the best money I ever spent since it bumped up my access to a specialist by about 6 weeks and gave me a solid idea of the extend of my injury so I didn't cause myself further harm. The specialists won't go near you here without the MRI CD. They had both open and closed MRI's available in the U.S. Hopefully you can find an open MRI if the tube version is problematic.
Rob N Canada

[djsherly]

I just had an MRI done in Canberra at John James. After a referral from Dr Still - $285. Receipt says no medicare or health fund refunds available for the item.

I'm not exactly strapped for cash but hardly swimming in it either. From what I gather, had my GP sent me along I could have rebated on Medicare? That's ridiculous.

[jellybean]

Does anyone know why there is such a large variation in charges for MRI's?

I also had an MRI of my knee done at John James in Canberra earlier this year (also with a referral from Rob Still - no Medicare rebate) for $285. 'Am having another one tommorrow at Crows Nest in Sydney - cost $532.75 (to be precise) minus the Medicare rebate because I had a referral from an OS this time (following a post-op review). Do they just tack the Medicare rebate on top of the "cash price"?

[Nicholas]

Does anyone know where the cheapest MRI scans in Sydney are?

[Jana]

Can anyone please help me and tell me is there any place in Melbourne where one can have an MRI without a referral? Iam truly most grateful if you could please help me. I have been having abnormal bleeding in the past two months that lasts up to 14 weeks. 3D ultrasound has reveald certain abnormalities but is inconclusive. Most GPs did not order relevant blood tests or other tests other than refer me to a gyneacologist who was keen on invasive methods of diagnosing such as laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. Most doctors agree that MRI is a superior diagnostic tool, more specific and better than invasive methods especially in soft tissues diagnostics but all look almost afraid to give a referral because they say it's expensive and the govt gave them certain instructions. Gyno specialists prefer to take care of own pockets by booking hysteroscopies and laparoscopies. They do not mind advising that a hysteroscopy would cost me up to $400 and a laparoscopy additional couple of hundreds yet at the mention of MRI they say "oh, it's too expensive" and I am happy to pay the cost. When I explained that I accept to pay the full price/cost of MRI and would wish to have an MRI done before any surgical procedure, especially when MRI is better for diagnosing soft tissue problems, gyneacologists again stayed reluctant. They say they have to exploit other procedures first. "Have to"? Why do they have to when they can exploit the MRI first and at my own expense? To have a hysteroscopy, a colposcopy and laparoscopy done, my cost is three times the cost of MRI, my body is subjected to three invasive procedures and with far more risk,but I am against the bureaucratic wall. I called the Health Services Comissioner and Health Insurance Commissioner, both said I should be able to have an MRI done if I pay in full even without a referral and that I should just explain the situation to a radiologist. When I tried, those that I spoke to were evasive saying they need some cover so they would need a referral and others would not even come to the phone saying they do not talk to patients - only doctors. I contacted my local MP and she passes the buck back to doctors. If you have been in a similar situation or have an advice, please help. Many Thanks!

[Nicholas]

Here is a list of some Melbourne MRI scanners:
Mercy Private Hospital or Royal Melbourne Hospital (At the royal parade) or Central Melbourne Medical Imaging @ Fitzroy.
Hope that helps.
Cheers,
Nicholas

[Syd Uni sports clinic]

City X-ray 139 Macquarie St Sydney ph 92315133 now have an MRI scan (non-Medicare rebate) for $225, which is pretty competitive price. Sydney non-Medicare scanners are generally charging $200 (at best)-$300 or higher. I hear that in Melbourne it is pretty flat $250 at most places.

[Jana]

Many thanks for your help Nicholas. I really appreciate it. Thanks again.
Jana

[angieliu]

I had a MRI scan done at the National diagnositic and imaging centre at the Deakin Specialist centre and after a referral from my sports doctor, Dr May it still cost me $300. Because she was not a specialist, I was not covered under Medicare.

I'm only aware that if an orthopaedic surgeon refers you to have a MRI then you can claim it through medicare but the costs of getting a referral to see an ortho and the referring doctor add up to the equivalent cost of just going to get it done.

I think that it is ridiculous that it is so expensive especially with MRI scans that the accuracy depends a great deal on the experience of the technician who is doing the scan.

[angieliu]

If you are concerned about the pricing of MRI scans and how Sports physicians can not be covered under Medicare, why not write to the College of Sports physicians?

[injuryupdate]

The ACSP have been applying to the Australian government for 15 years to get specialty recognition, including for the last 8 years when MRI scans have been funded under Medicare. The health department's view is that the specialty status for sports medicine is still "under review". The latest update on the specialty status is at:
http://www.amc.org.au/submissions.asp

[angieliu]

Thar's really interesting that you mention that the department's view about the status of sports medicine. I thought I read somewhere that they were working with ACSP to negotiate.

It's a pity that it is taking so long especially when MRI scans sometimes can not be very accurate as it depends on how well the technician is at operating the material and how well the radiologists interprets it.

[Merri]

Symbion (previously Mayne) at St George Private is $175 and that is the rebate. I don't know if there are any conscessions. I understand the MRI unit at POW is probably the best because they do have the newest machines. POW also have a unit that B/B but of course you have to wait it you want it for free. In our office situation it would be better if the patient did bring the MRI with them but I don't know who would write the referral (the GP?) in my case the patient waits months for the appointment then another month for MRI and follow up, lot of time wasted.

[LMT]

When I was waiting for an MRI scan of my ankle I enquired about having it done privately (hoping that it would speed up the consultation & treatment process). Here in the UK I was quoted £600 - £1200. In the end I had it done on the NHS after 3 weeks, but still had to pay £50 for hard copies of the scans.

LMT

[injuryupdate]

It goes to show how competitive prices are in Australia. A$250, which is 100 pounds, is a great price by world standards. A pity there is still no Medicare rebate when the MRI is ordered by a sports physician. According to our genius health department, sports medicine is now officially a specialty but they haven't decided whether the sports physicians who work in this 'specialty' area are actually specialists. Outcome = Medicare won't give an MRI rebate if ordered by a sports physician. Not hard to see why the government is taking such a long time to make this decision.

[mrbear]

This might be a stupid question but can an orthotist provide an MRI referal? How about a GP? Good informtion contained here. Thanks guys. :)

[mrbear]

This might be a stupid question but can an orthotist provide an MRI referal? How about a GP? Good informtion contained here. Thanks guys. :)

Oh yeh..I'm in Melbourne if that bears any significance to this matter at all!!! :confused:

[fiona]

I work for a medico-legal company in England.

We have a client that as been involved in a road traffic accident, and needs an MRI scan. Please can you forward me the cost of an MRI Scan.

Please note we will be paying for the scan not the client.

I look forward to reciving your response to this matter

Many Thanks

Fiona :)

[BenM]

At the Alfred we completely bulk bill most tests from specialists, depending on the test.
GP referred MR is usually ~$250, depending on the test.
Nowhere in Australia can legally see you without a referral.
A specialist referral does not mean you can definitely be bulk billed as medicare does not support certain tests.
The last budget makes provision for GP's to refer for MRI Knee, where ligament damage is suspected and MRI Brain where MS is suspected.
For the poster in melbourne who was worried about bleeding, is your issue resolved?

Regards
Ben

[BenM]

Fiona,
Please see above message.


I work for a medico-legal company in England.

We have a client that as been involved in a road traffic accident, and needs an MRI scan. Please can you forward me the cost of an MRI Scan.

Please note we will be paying for the scan not the client.

I look forward to reciving your response to this matter

Many Thanks

Fiona :)

[ebayhtl]

A little bit OT - I'm still not sure after reading these posts (great posts regardless), if I get a referral from GP can I get a medicare rebate? Or is it only certain specialists?

If I go see a neurosurgeon for my back, I really would like to have the MRI done before I see him so I don't need to wait and then go again - that's a waste of time. I would rather pay the non-medicare rebate price than having to go back again.

Thanks - Hoi.

[kjwilkin]

You can get a rebate from medicare. If you go to an OS you will get a better rebate. GP's shouldn't be able to order a MRI, but can. They are not specialists.

[christinef]

Guys I'm wondering how can I order an MRI? Do I have to go to my GP first or what?

[focus_911]

Our health care is free here so we don't worry about it but for eveyone out isn't a Canadian resident will be paying close to $1,400 for an MRI. CT scans are slightly cheaper at $1,300 some odd dollars. Not sure how you are all coming with such small sums? is that what is left over for you to pay once your insurance companies pay for the rest?

Interesting thread.

[Dr. Subramaniam]

Our health care is free here so we don't worry about it but for eveyone out isn't a Canadian resident will be paying close to $1,400 for an MRI. CT scans are slightly cheaper at $1,300 some odd dollars. Not sure how you are all coming with such small sums? is that what is left over for you to pay once your insurance companies pay for the rest?

Interesting thread.

I don't know why your MRIs are so expensive. It is mentioned earlier in this thread that the prices have come down in Australia due to restrictions on medicare funding, causing consumers to pay privately in many instances - this has led to competitive pricing. Your government should look into why it costs so much. If it costs that much privately in Canada it is likely that the Government is paying a lot more than necessary for MRIs for it's citizens. This is something that your health care ministers should be looking into.

[Husspuss]

Actually a sport physician can order an MRI under medicare .. I just did that few days ago

[Melbourne]

I recently had an MRI at Imaging @ Olympic Park. It cost me $295.00 (pretty standard i found, after calling around several clinics in Melbourne). The place is fantastic! Super modern facility and friendly staff check it out www.iop.net.au

Scanned a brochure with a picture of the waiting room -

http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h357/Melbourne1988/IOP.png

[notadoc]

just returned from (yet another) MRI scan so thought I'd provide some info:

specialists (including sports physicians, although not registrars) can refer to rebateable MRI scanners - usually co-located at hospital sites. typically the out of pocket cost that you'll be stung with seems to be anywhere from $100-$200. Occassionally this may be bulk-billed, although from the sounds of things this is pretty rare. Due to the fact that the demand for these scans is high - due to the rebate - you can wait anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks for an appointment in many cases.

alternatively there are non-rebatable scanners which do not attract a rebate. often these are located at private clinics and the out of pocket cost is higher - approx $280-$300 ish. After my ring-around it seems many of these locations can see you within a few days. additionally, as these aren't rebateable the medicare rules do not apply and you can be referred from your general practitioner, physio etc.

it seems like there's good and bad to both - obviously those who want to be seen quickly are better off going private (non-rebatable) whereas those who are concerned about cost are better off going rebateable.

the reason i've typed all this out though is that lots of people i've spoken to regarding MRI - unfortunately, I have them regularly due to recent surgery - didn't know that there was a non-rebateable option and have been waiting in the queue assuming it's the only alternative. when I mention that private alternative they're more that happy to pay the extra for the benefit of getting the scan done quicker, in the most part.

i was referred for my scan by a colleague/orthopaedic surgeon and therefore was lucky enough to be able not only to visit a rebateable scanner but also get the scan bulk-billed due to the relationship the surgeon maintained with the hospital imaging provider. he did, however, recommend I go private if I wanted to get the scan performed quickly. he also mentioned that many of the private providers were first class and provided excellent scans. i decided to pony up the cash so i could find out asap how my back is doing (feels fine, by the way) and was seen within a couple of days.

so hopefully that mri price update helps!