Clear Hospital Costs

MRI Cost in San Antonio, TX

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical imaging procedure that uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed pictures of internal body structures. The procedure involves lying still on a table that slides into a large, tube-shaped machine while the MRI scanner captures cross-sectional images. Two specific types of MRI scans are commonly performed in San Antonio hospitals: MRI Brain Without Contrast (HCPCS code 70551) and MRI Lumbar Spine Without Contrast (HCPCS code 72148). The facility fee covers the use of the MRI equipment, imaging room, technologist time, and hospital administrative costs. These prices come from CMS-mandated hospital transparency files that hospitals must publish publicly.

Data last updated: 2026-01-12

Scope note: These are hospital facility fees only. Standalone imaging centers (not hospitals) often charge significantly less for outpatient imaging but are not covered by the CMS Hospital Price Transparency Rule, so they are not included in this data. We currently track only hospital-published prices.

MRI Brain Without Contrast (HCPCS 70551)

Hospital Cash Price
CHRISTUS Children's $1,594.56 Schedule →
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Alamo $1,379.73 Schedule →
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Medic $1,594.35 Schedule →
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa New B $1,379.73 Schedule →
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa San M $0 Schedule →
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Westo $1,379.73 Schedule →
Methodist Hospital * $2,743.79 * Schedule →
Methodist Hospital Atasco * $9,342.89 * Schedule →
Methodist Hospital Hill C * $9,342.89 * Schedule →
Methodist Hospital Landma * $9,342.89 * Schedule →
Methodist Hospital Westov * $9,342.89 * Schedule →
Methodist Specialty and T * $9,342.89 * Schedule →
Methodist Stone Oak Hospi * $2,743.79 * Schedule →
Methodist Texsan Hospital * $2,743.79 * Schedule →
Metropolitan Methodist Ho * $2,743.79 * Schedule →
Northeast Methodist Hospi * $2,743.79 * Schedule →
* Hospitals marked with * publish cash prices equal to their gross charges, meaning no separate self-pay discount appears in their transparency file. The insured rates shown are negotiated rates between the hospital and specific insurance plans. Uninsured patients may be able to negotiate lower rates by contacting the hospital directly.

MRI Lumbar Spine Without Contrast (HCPCS 72148)

Hospital Cash Price
CHRISTUS Children's $1,839.09 Schedule →
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Alamo $2,924.46 Schedule →
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Medic $3,987.9 Schedule →
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa New B $2,924.46 Schedule →
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa San M $0 Schedule →
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Westo $2,924.46 Schedule →
Methodist Hospital * $5,746.37 * Schedule →
Methodist Hospital Atasco * $10,716.35 * Schedule →
Methodist Hospital Hill C * $10,716.35 * Schedule →
Methodist Hospital Landma * $10,716.35 * Schedule →
Methodist Hospital Westov * $10,716.35 * Schedule →
Methodist Specialty and T * $5,746.37 * Schedule →
Methodist Stone Oak Hospi * $10,716.35 * Schedule →
Methodist Texsan Hospital * $10,716.35 * Schedule →
Metropolitan Methodist Ho * $5,746.37 * Schedule →
Northeast Methodist Hospi * $10,716.35 * Schedule →
* Hospitals marked with * publish cash prices equal to their gross charges, meaning no separate self-pay discount appears in their transparency file. The insured rates shown are negotiated rates between the hospital and specific insurance plans. Uninsured patients may be able to negotiate lower rates by contacting the hospital directly.

What These Prices Mean

Understanding the price columns: The gross charge represents the hospital's standard list price, while the cash price is what uninsured patients pay. For example, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Alamo Heights lists a $4,181 gross charge for brain MRI but offers a $1,379.73 cash price, representing a 67% discount. Methodist hospitals take a different approach, setting their cash price equal to the gross charge at $2,743.79 for brain MRI. The insured range shows negotiated rates that vary dramatically by payer. Code variations: Brain MRI (70551) and lumbar spine MRI (72148) target different body regions and have distinct pricing. At CHRISTUS facilities, lumbar spine MRI costs significantly more, with cash prices ranging from $1,839.09 to $3,987.90 compared to brain MRI cash prices of $1,379.73 to $1,594.56. Methodist hospitals charge $2,743.79 for brain MRI but substantially more at $5,746.37 to $10,716.35 for lumbar spine MRI.

Why MRI Prices Vary

Hospital pricing structures: Gross charges span from $2,743.79 to $10,716.35 across procedures and facilities, but cash prices narrow this gap significantly. CHRISTUS hospitals offer substantial cash discounts of 55% to 67%, while Methodist facilities charge cash patients their full gross rate. This creates situations where Methodist's lower gross charges for brain MRI ($2,743.79) still result in higher cash prices than CHRISTUS facilities ($1,379.73 to $1,594.56) due to the discount difference. Facility type and alternatives: The data includes general acute care hospitals and specialty facilities like CHRISTUS Children's, which charges premium rates for pediatric services. Outpatient imaging centers and freestanding MRI facilities, not included in this hospital data, may offer different pricing structures. Cash prices across all facilities range from $1,379.73 to $10,716.35 depending on the specific scan type and hospital chosen.
$

Paying cash? Health insurance could lower your MRI cost.

Published cash prices on this page range from $1,379.73 to $3,987.9. Insurers on this page have negotiated rates starting from $137.19, many times lower than cash prices at the same hospitals. If you are uninsured, a marketplace health plan could reduce your out-of-pocket cost for this procedure.

Compare Health Insurance Plans → Get Free Plan Estimate →

Links go to Healthcare.gov, the official federal health insurance marketplace. We are not affiliated with Healthcare.gov or any insurance provider. This is not a recommendation for any specific plan.

What Insurers Actually Pay

Published negotiated rates for MRI Brain Without Contrast (HCPCS 70551) at Methodist Specialty and T, outpatient facility fee:

MRI Brain Without Contrast (70551), Methodist Specialty and T Payer Rates

Insurance Payer Plan Type Negotiated Rate
Superior Health CHIP $137.19
Superior Health CHPFC $137.19
Superior Health STAR $137.19
Superior Health STARKids $137.19
Superior Health STARPLUS $137.19
Community First Health Plans CHIP $202.15
Community First Health Plans CHIPPerinate $202.15
Community First Health Plans MCDSTAR $202.15
USA Managed Care CHIP CHIP $202.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Amerigroup CHIP $204.15
Amerigroup MCD $204.15
United MCD $204.15
Community First Health Plans MCDSTARKIDS $206.19
Community First Health Plans STARPLUS $206.19
Aetna Better Health CHIP $220.48
Aetna Better Health CHIPEPO $220.48
Aetna Better Health CHIPPerinate $220.48
Aetna Better Health CHPFC $220.48
Aetna Better Health STAR $220.48
Aetna Better Health STAR+PLUS $220.48
Aetna Better Health STARKids $220.48
Molina Healthcare CHIP $222.37
Molina Healthcare MCDSTAR $222.37
Molina Healthcare STAR+PLUS $222.37
Molina Healthcare STARKIDS $222.37
Humana MGMCD $252.69
BCBS MyBlueHealth $375.19
Amerigroup CHIPBH $384.13
Amerigroup MCDBH $384.13
Superior Health CHIP $467.14
Superior Health CHPFC $467.14
Superior Health STAR $467.14
Superior Health STARKids $467.14
Superior Health STARPLUS $467.14
United AllPayerAppendix $517.79
United Charter $517.79
United NexusACO $517.79
United SmallGroup $517.79
United AllPayerAppendix $517.79
United Charter $517.79
United NexusACO $517.79
United SmallGroup $517.79
United AllPayerAppendix $517.79
United Charter $517.79
United NexusACO $517.79
United SmallGroup $517.79
United AllPayerAppendix $517.79
United Charter $517.79
United NexusACO $517.79
United SmallGroup $517.79
United AllPayerAppendix $517.79
United Charter $517.79
United NexusACO $517.79
United SmallGroup $517.79
United AllPayerAppendix $517.79
United Charter $517.79
United NexusACO $517.79
United SmallGroup $517.79
United AllPayerAppendix $517.79
United Charter $517.79
United NexusACO $517.79
United SmallGroup $517.79
United AllPayerAppendix $517.79
United Charter $517.79
United NexusACO $517.79
United SmallGroup $517.79
Imperial Insurance DualEligible $521.32
Imperial Insurance MCRHMO $521.32
Imperial Insurance MCRPFFS $521.32
Imperial Insurance MCRPOS $521.32
Imperial Insurance MCRPPO $521.32
Imperial Insurance MCRSNP $521.32
BCBS BlueAdvantage $552.3
United OptionsPPO $674.97
Community First Health Plans HMO $740.82
Aetna QHPHIX $766
Cigna Lifesource COMM $795.7
BCBS BlueEssentials $803.99
BCBS BlueEssentialsAccess $803.99
BCBS TRAD $809.42
BCBS HealthSelectOpenAccess(EPOSOA) $878.56
BCBS PPO $953.13
Aetna NarrowNetwork $1,068
Aetna NewBusinessRates $1,213
Fidelis SecureCare MGMCR $1,234.71
United GlobalBenefitPlan $1,234.71
Aetna CommercialBaseNetwork $1,236
Amerigroup CHIPBH $1,308
Amerigroup MCDBH $1,308
Emerging Therapy Solutions MCR $1,344.46
Aetna ASA $1,371.89
Evernorth Behavioral Health COMM $1,371.89
National ChoiceCare WORKERSCOMP $1,371.89
Texas Healthcare Foundation HEB HEBEmployee $1,371.89
TX Healthcare Foundation PPO $1,371.89
Aetna OON $1,455
HealthSmart Preferred Care Accel $1,509.08
Independent Medical Systems PPO $1,509.08
Physician Cooperative of Texas WORKERSCOMP $1,509.08
HAA Preferred Partners LOGOV $1,646.27
Imperial Insurance DualEligible $1,775.15
Imperial Insurance MCRHMO $1,775.15
Imperial Insurance MCRPFFS $1,775.15
Imperial Insurance MCRPOS $1,775.15
Imperial Insurance MCRPPO $1,775.15
Imperial Insurance MCRSNP $1,775.15
Coastal Comp Health Networks WORKERSCOMP $1,783.46
Humana BHCOMM $1,783.46
National Healthcare Solutions PPO $1,783.46
MultiPlan, Inc. PRIMARYPPO $1,838.34
PHCS PrimaryPPO $1,838.34
Emerging Therapy Solutions COMM $1,838.34
TML Intergovernmental EBP PPO $1,920.65
MultiPlan, Inc. COMPLEMENTARYPPO $2,057.84
PHCS Complimentary $2,057.84
TriWest Health Alliance TRICARE $2,057.84
USA Managed Care PPO $2,057.84
Blue Bell PPO $2,195.03
DirectCare America PPO $2,195.03
United Payors United Providers PPO $2,195.03
United OptionsPPO $2,298.35
MedicalControl PPO $2,332.22
Community First Health Plans HMO $2,522.58
Cigna Lifesource COMM $2,709.44
Optum MCD $2,743.79
BCBS TRAD $2,756.15
Fidelis SecureCare MGMCR $4,204.3
United GlobalBenefitPlan $4,204.3
Emerging Therapy Solutions MCR $4,578.02
Aetna ASA $4,671.44
Evernorth Behavioral Health COMM $4,671.44
National ChoiceCare WORKERSCOMP $4,671.44
Texas Healthcare Foundation HEB HEBEmployee $4,671.44
TX Healthcare Foundation PPO $4,671.44
HealthSmart Preferred Care Accel $5,138.59
Independent Medical Systems PPO $5,138.59
Physician Cooperative of Texas WORKERSCOMP $5,138.59
HAA Preferred Partners LOGOV $5,605.73
Coastal Comp Health Networks WORKERSCOMP $6,072.88
Humana BHCOMM $6,072.88
National Healthcare Solutions PPO $6,072.88
Emerging Therapy Solutions COMM $6,259.74
MultiPlan, Inc. PRIMARYPPO $6,259.74
PHCS PrimaryPPO $6,259.74
TML Intergovernmental EBP PPO $6,540.02
MultiPlan, Inc. COMPLEMENTARYPPO $7,007.17
PHCS Complimentary $7,007.17
TriWest Health Alliance TRICARE $7,007.17
USA Managed Care PPO $7,007.17
Blue Bell PPO $7,474.31
DirectCare America PPO $7,474.31
United Payors United Providers PPO $7,474.31
MedicalControl PPO $7,941.46
Optum MCD $9,342.89

Key finding: Texas Healthspring MM pays as little as $108.04 while Optum MCD pays up to $10,716.35 at the same hospital system.

How to Use This Information

Our methodology · Medical Disclaimer

What Patients Ask About MRI Costs

How much does a mri cost without insurance in San Antonio?

Cash prices for MRI without insurance in San Antonio vary significantly by hospital and scan type. For brain MRI, cash prices range from $1,379.73 at several CHRISTUS locations to $9,342.89 at some Methodist facilities. Lumbar spine MRI costs more, with cash prices from $1,839.09 at CHRISTUS Children's to $10,716.35 at multiple Methodist hospitals. Note that CHRISTUS Santa Rosa San Marcos shows incomplete pricing data with $0 cash prices listed. The facility fee covers only the hospital's charges for equipment, room, and technical staff. Physician professional fees for the radiologist who interprets the images are billed separately and not included in these amounts.

Why is the gross charge so much higher than the cash price?

The gross charge represents the hospital's standard list price before any discounts, while almost no one actually pays this amount. CHRISTUS hospitals offer cash discounts of 55% to 67%, making their $3,543 to $8,862 gross charges result in $1,379.73 to $3,987.90 cash prices. Methodist facilities charge 100% of their gross rates to cash patients, meaning no discount is applied. Interestingly, Methodist's lower gross charges ($2,743.79 for brain MRI) can still result in higher cash payments than CHRISTUS facilities due to the lack of cash discounts. The gross charge serves as the starting point for negotiations with insurance companies, who typically pay significantly less than this amount.

Does insurance cover a mri?

Insurance coverage for MRI depends on the specific plan and medical necessity as determined by the healthcare provider. Negotiated rates between insurers and hospitals vary dramatically, ranging from $108.04 to $10,716.35 for these procedures. Many insurance plans require prior authorization for non-emergency MRI scans to verify medical necessity before approving coverage. Patients with high-deductible health plans who have not yet met their annual deductible will owe the negotiated rate their insurance company has arranged with the hospital, not the higher gross charge. The negotiated rate is typically much lower than both the gross charge and cash price.

Are there additional fees beyond the mri facility charge?

The facility charges shown cover only the hospital's fees for equipment, room, and technical staff who perform the scan. The radiologist who interprets the MRI images and writes the diagnostic report bills separately for professional services. If the MRI is performed in an emergency department setting, additional ER facility fees apply beyond the imaging charges. For patients receiving contrast agents during their MRI (though the codes here specify 'without contrast'), those medications would involve additional charges. These separate professional and medication fees are not included in the facility pricing data and patients receive separate bills for these services from the respective providers.

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ER Visit Cost in San Antonio

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Data Sources

CHRISTUS Children's

File updated: 2026-01-12 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

We are not affiliated with CHRISTUS Children's. Published prices may not reflect your actual cost. Disclaimer

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CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Alamo Heights

File updated: 2026-01-13 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

We are not affiliated with CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Alamo Heights. Published prices may not reflect your actual cost. Disclaimer

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CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Medical Center

File updated: 2024-11-20 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

We are not affiliated with CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Medical Center. Published prices may not reflect your actual cost. Disclaimer

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CHRISTUS Santa Rosa New Braunfels

File updated: 2026-01-12 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

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CHRISTUS Santa Rosa San Marcos

File updated: 2026-01-13 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

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CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Westover Hills

File updated: 2026-01-13 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

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Methodist Hospital

File updated: 2026-03-01 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

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Methodist Hospital Atascosa

File updated: 2026-03-01 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

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Methodist Hospital Hill Country

File updated: 2026-03-01 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

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Methodist Hospital Landmark

File updated: 2026-03-01 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

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Methodist Hospital Westover Hills

File updated: 2026-03-01 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

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Methodist Specialty and Transplant

File updated: 2026-03-01 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

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Methodist Stone Oak Hospital

File updated: 2026-03-01 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

We are not affiliated with Methodist Stone Oak Hospital. Published prices may not reflect your actual cost. Disclaimer

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Methodist Texsan Hospital

File updated: 2026-03-01 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

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Metropolitan Methodist Hospital

File updated: 2026-03-01 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

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Northeast Methodist Hospital

File updated: 2026-03-01 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

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