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!

[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]

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?

[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.