How to Choose the Best Facility Based on Knee MRI Scan Costs

A knee MRI is a noninvasive imaging technique that uses radio waves and a magnetic field to generate detailed images of structures within the knee joint. It allows your doctor to see your bones, tendons, cartilage, muscles, and ligaments in the knee to detect abnormalities. Your doctor may order a knee MRI if you experience unexplained knee pain, your knee is unstable, or you have knee arthritis. 

Knee MRI is a useful tool for diagnosing knee conditions. It helps doctors examine the nature of knee injuries, diagnose chronic knee conditions, and detect issues that can lead to poor knee function in a timely manner. Typical examples include tumors or cysts, bone fractures, and fluid build up of inflammation.

How much does a knee MRI cost? This is one of the first questions that come to the mind of an individual after their doctor orders an imaging test. knee mri scan cost varies between ₹3,500 and 12,000 or more depending on the location, type of facility, MRI type and technology, and insurance coverage.

Here are our top tips for choosing a testing center based on knee MRI cost. 

Assess Your Needs

Ask your doctor the type of MRI you need (standard MRI vs 3T vs open MRI). If your doctor orders a knee MRI with contrast that captures the smallest detail, be prepared to spend more.

Talk to Your Insurer

Ask your insurer to provide a list of in-network testing centers. Choose an empanelled hospital or testing center. Find out if your policy covers the entire cost of imaging tests or a portion of the cost of a knee MRI and there are out-of-pocket costs involved.

Do Research

Call hospitals and testing centers to request pricing information. Use online tools such as Google Reviews and other platform to check price ranges for a knee MRI in your area. Get quotes from at least three different testing centers and compare them. Before selecting a testing center, make sure the quote provided by them includes all the costs (including radiologist’s fee for interpreting test findings).

Location and Accessibility

The location of a testing center can significantly affect the cost of a knee MRI. If you choose a testing center located far from your house or office, your transportation cost (hence the cost of the scan) can increase. It is therefore advisable that you choose a testing center located close to your home. If you do not have a vehicle, make sure that the area is served by public transportation.

Look for Facilities That Offer Discounts

Some testing centers offer discounts on imaging tests to patients who do not have an insurance policy or those who offer to pay in cash. Look for a testing center that offers payment plans or follows a sliding scale pricing model. 

Some Other Factors to Consider When Selecting an MRI Scan Center 

Though the cost of a knee MRI is an important factor to consider when choosing an MRI scan center, do not take the final decision solely on the basis of cost. Steer clear of facilities with unrealistically lower quotes. 

Here are some other factors to consider when choosing an MRI testing center. 

Accreditation and Certifications

Make sure the testing center you are considering is accredited by. Ask if the testing center holds any certification from relevant authorities. If your doctor orders a detailed knee scan, opt for a center that uses advanced 3T MRI scanner instead of a 1.5 T MRI scanner for detailed scans.

Assess Radiologists’ Expertise

Look for an MRI scan center that employs board-certified radiologists and have experience of performing scans to diagnose musculoskeletal disorders.

Check Providers’ Reputation

Check the online reputation of the MRI scan center you are considering. Go to the provider’s social media profiles to see what people are talking about them. Check customer reviews and testimonials on reliable third party review sites. 

Reporting 

Make sure the testing service you are planning to use can provide a digital copy of your report within a few hours after a knee MRI scan. 

Janta X-Ray Clinic Pvt. Ltd. is a leading diagnostic center in Delhi. We offer a range of imaging services under one roof. To learn more, call 011-4911-4911.