Wrist MRI: What It Costs and What's Fair

CPT 73221 · Medicare rate: $205 · National avg charge: $1,360 · BillKarma data from 73 providers

Reviewed 2026-04-05 · Pricing data year: 2026

Wrist MRI (CPT 73221) is a diagnostic imaging scan that gives physicians detailed views of internal structures without surgery. It is typically ordered to evaluate an injury, disease, or condition that cannot be fully assessed through a physical exam alone. The scan usually takes 15 to 60 minutes to complete.

Cost by Billing Grade

Grade	Avg Hospital Charge	Medicare Rate	Est. Patient Cost*	Hospitals
D	$1,771	$205	$354	1
F	$2,055	$205	$411	6
N/A	$1,290	$205	$258	66

*Estimated patient cost assumes 20% coinsurance after deductible is met. Actual cost depends on your specific plan, deductible status, and network.

Cost Range Across Hospitals

Min: $1,065 Max: $3,248

Grade A (≤2x Medicare) Grade B (2–3x) Grade C (3–5x) Grade D/F (5x+)

What This Procedure Typically Costs by Facility Type

Hospital

73 providers

$1,065 — $3,248 | Avg: $1,360 (6.6x Medicare)

Find Providers Near You for This Procedure

Grade A-B only

Showing 10 lowest-markup providers nationally across hospitals, surgery centers, and imaging centers. Enter ZIP code to compare local providers side by side.

Provider	Type	Location	Grade	Charge	Benchmark	Markup	Your Est. Cost
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Kentucky	Hospital	EDGEWOOD, KY	N/A	$1,065	$205 Medicare OPPS	5.2x	—
SALINE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL	Hospital	BENTON, AR	F	$1,069	$205 Medicare OPPS	5.2x	—
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Harmarville	Hospital	PITTSBURGH, PA	N/A	$1,141	$205 Medicare OPPS	5.6x	—
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Desert Canyon	Hospital	LAS VEGAS, NV	N/A	$1,141	$205 Medicare OPPS	5.6x	—
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Cincinnati	Hospital	CINCINNATI, OH	N/A	$1,141	$205 Medicare OPPS	5.6x	—
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bluffton	Hospital	BLUFFTON, SC	N/A	$1,141	$205 Medicare OPPS	5.6x	—
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Erie	Hospital	ERIE, PA	N/A	$1,141	$205 Medicare OPPS	5.6x	—
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Altamonte Springs	Hospital	ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL	N/A	$1,141	$205 Medicare OPPS	5.6x	—
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Braintree	Hospital	BRAINTREE, MA	N/A	$1,141	$205 Medicare OPPS	5.6x	—
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Dallas	Hospital	DALLAS, TX	N/A	$1,141	$205 Medicare OPPS	5.6x	—

What Is a Fair Price for This Procedure?

Medicare pays $205 for Wrist MRI (CPT 73221). This rate is set by CMS based on the actual cost of delivering the procedure, including physician time, overhead, and equipment. It's the most reliable national benchmark for what the procedure is worth.

A hospital charging $410 (2x Medicare) or less earns an A billing grade — these are the most fairly priced facilities for this procedure. The national average charge is $1,360 (6.6x Medicare).

If your bill shows more than $615 (3x Medicare) for this procedure, it may be worth reviewing the charges carefully. Upload your bill to check →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Wrist MRI cost so much more at some hospitals than others?

Hospital charges for Wrist MRI (CPT 73221) vary dramatically—sometimes by 10x or more—because hospitals set their own gross charges independently. Medicare pays $205 for this procedure based on actual delivery costs, but hospitals are not required to match that rate. The national average charge is $1,360. Using a price transparency tool helps you find a fairly priced facility.

Can I shop around for Wrist MRI if my doctor ordered it?

Yes. As long as the same CPT code (73221) is billed, the ordering physician does not need to be at the same facility that performs the scan. You can call hospitals and freestanding imaging centers to ask for their cash price or expected out-of-pocket cost before scheduling. Freestanding imaging centers typically charge significantly less than hospital outpatient departments.

What should I do if I received a bill for Wrist MRI that seems high?

Compare the charge on your bill to the Medicare reference rate of $205. If the hospital billed more than $410 (two times Medicare), you may be able to negotiate. Request an itemized bill, check for duplicate charges, and ask whether a prompt-pay or financial hardship discount applies. You can also upload your bill to BillKarma for a free automated review.

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