MRI Cost: What You Should Pay in 2026

Hospital avg

$2,114

10.8x Medicare

Medicare rate

$195

CPT 70551 · reference rate

The Short Answer

BillKarma analysis of 139 facilities finds the average hospital charge for MRI Brain Stem W/O Dye is $2,114 — 10.8x the Medicare reference rate of $195. A fair market price is typically 1.5–2.5x the Medicare rate, or $293–$488.

Cost by facility type

For imaging procedures, choosing an independent imaging center over a hospital outpatient department is the single biggest factor affecting your cost. Hospital-owned imaging departments bill facility fees that independent centers do not.

Facility Type	Avg Charge	vs. Medicare	Range	Providers
Hospitals	$2,114	10.8x	$329 – $6,104	139
Medicare Rate	$195	1.0x	Reference	—

Source: BillKarma analysis of 139 facilities · Data current 2026

How billing grade affects your cost

BillKarma grades hospitals A–F based on their average charges vs. Medicare rates. Choosing a Grade A or B facility for this procedure can save hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Grade	What it means	Avg Charge	vs. Medicare	Est. Patient Cost*
C	3–5x Medicare (elevated)	$3,123	—	$625
D	5–8x Medicare (high)	$3,954	—	$791
F	8x+ Medicare (predatory)	$3,433	—	$687
N/A	Not graded	$1,378	—	$276

*Estimated patient cost assumes 20% coinsurance after deductible · Source: BillKarma 2026

Find MRI Brain Stem W/O Dye near you

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What is a fair price for MRI Brain Stem W/O Dye?

Medicare reference rate (CPT 70551) $195

Fair market range (1.5–2.5x Medicare) $293 – $488

National hospital average $2,114

If you are quoted more than $488, ask questions or search for a lower-cost alternative. BillKarma grades hospitals A–F based on how their charges compare to this benchmark.

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Questions to ask before scheduling MRI Brain Stem W/O Dye

1 Can this MRI be done at an independent imaging center instead of the hospital?
2 Does my insurance require prior authorization for this scan?
3 Will the radiologist bill separately from the facility?
4 Is contrast dye required, or can a non-contrast scan be done?
5 Is the imaging center hospital-owned or independently operated?
6 Can I get a Good Faith Estimate under the No Surprises Act?

Frequently asked questions

Why does MRI Brain Stem W/O Dye cost so much more at some hospitals than others?

Hospital charges for MRI Brain Stem W/O Dye (CPT 70551) vary dramatically—sometimes by 10x or more—because hospitals set their own gross charges independently. Medicare pays $195 for this procedure based on actual delivery costs, but hospitals are not required to match that rate. The national average charge is $2,114. Using a price transparency tool helps you find a fairly priced facility.

Can I shop around for MRI Brain Stem W/O Dye if my doctor ordered it?

Yes. As long as the same CPT code (70551) 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 MRI Brain Stem W/O Dye that seems high?

Compare the charge on your bill to the Medicare reference rate of $195. If the hospital billed more than $391 (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.