Arizona

Cost of a Brain MRI Visit
in Arizona

Name: MRI Brain Cost in Arizona (2026)
Creator: Jayant Panwar
Published: 2026-03-18

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

Arizona's healthcare market operates approximately 5% above national cost averages, with robust competition among major insurers like UHC, BCBS Arizona, and Aetna helping moderate Brain MRI pricing across the state. Patients typically pay between $99.70 and $550.21 for Brain MRI services, with a median out-of-pocket cost of $215.34 based on negotiated insurance rates. Arizona maintains a strong network of 4,828 active Brain MRI providers across urban centers like Phoenix and Tucson, as well as rural communities throughout the state.

Average

$288

Median

$215

Lowest

$100

Highest

$550

Providers

4,828

National avg: $478Arizona: $288

40% below national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does mri brain compare to related procedures in Arizona?

Procedure	CPT	Low	Median	High	Providers
MRI Knee MRI of the knee without contrast	73721	$59	$139	$350	5,301
MRI Lumbar Spine MRI of the lumbar spine without contrast	72148	$65	$123	$356	4,375
CT Abdomen & Pelvis CT scan of abdomen and pelvis with contrast	74177	$79	$203	$482	7,431
CT Chest CT scan of the chest with contrast	71260	$54	$115	$267	6,691

Important: These are cost estimates only — not a quote and not medical advice.

The prices on this page are self-pay rates, drawn from federal Transparency in Coverage machine-readable files (CPT 70553 — MRI brain without contrast, then with contrast). They represent what a patient might pay without insurance.

Your actual cost depends on: your specific insurance plan, your remaining deductible, your coinsurance percentage, whether you have met your out-of-pocket maximum, whether the facility and provider are both in-network, and any separate anesthesia or implant fees billed independently.

This page does not constitute medical advice. Whether you need this procedure, and which approach is right for you, is a decision to make with a licensed healthcare provider.

Where this data comes from & what CPT 70553 covers

Data source: Cost figures are derived from UnitedHealthcare Transparency in Coverage machine-readable files for CPT code 70553 (MRI brain without contrast, then with contrast), as mandated by the CMS Price Transparency Rule.

What CPT 70553 covers: the provider's professional fee for mri brain. It does not include facility/hospital fees, anesthesia, pre-operative imaging, post-operative care, or any add-on codes billed separately.

How to read this data

Negotiated Rate

The discounted price an insurer has agreed to pay a specific provider. Most insured patients' bills are calculated from this number, not the higher list price hospitals publish separately.

P5, Median, P95

P5 is the rate at the 5th percentile (low end), Median is the middle value, and P95 is the 95th percentile (high end). This range shows how much the same visit can vary between providers.

What this does not tell you

These rates do not tell you what you personally will pay out of pocket. That depends on your specific plan, how much of your deductible you have already met, your coinsurance rate, and whether the provider is in your network. Call your insurer's member line to get your exact estimate.

Full data methodology and glossary

Why Brain MRI Visit Costs Vary Across Arizona

Arizona's healthcare costs run approximately 5% above national averages, driven by rapid population growth and concentrated urban markets in Phoenix and Tucson. The state's vast rural geography creates significant cost disparities, with remote areas facing limited provider competition and higher overhead costs.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas concentrate most of Arizona's Brain MRI providers, creating competitive pricing in these urban centers. Rural counties like Cochise, Graham, and Greenlee often have limited or no local imaging options, forcing patients to travel long distances and pay premium rates. The Navajo Nation and other tribal areas face particular access challenges, with many residents traveling to Flagstaff or Phoenix for specialized imaging services.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Hospital-based imaging at major Arizona health systems like Banner Health, HonorHealth, and Valleywise Health typically carries higher facility fees due to overhead costs and emergency department capabilities. Independent imaging centers throughout the Valley and Tucson offer competitive rates with lower overhead structures. Many outpatient imaging centers have opened in retail locations and medical office buildings, providing convenient access at reduced costs compared to hospital facilities.

Insurance Market Competition in Arizona

Arizona's insurance marketplace features strong competition among UHC, BCBS Arizona, and Aetna, helping moderate negotiated rates for Brain MRI services. The state's ACA marketplace offers multiple carrier options in most counties, creating competitive pressure on pricing. Rural counties may have limited insurer choices, potentially leading to higher negotiated rates where competition is reduced.

Physician Supply and Demand in Arizona

With 4,828 active Brain MRI providers, Arizona maintains adequate radiologist supply in urban areas but faces shortages in rural regions. The state's growing retiree population increases demand for diagnostic imaging services, particularly in areas like Scottsdale, Sedona, and Sun City. Telemedicine and remote interpretation services help bridge gaps in rural areas, though local imaging facilities remain limited outside major metropolitan regions.

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Jayant Panwar

CEO, Momentary Labs · San Francisco, CA

Jayant has analyzed healthcare pricing data from CMS Transparency in Coverage files since 2022, covering more than 50 million negotiated rate records across all 50 states. His work focuses on making insurer machine-readable files accessible to patients and researchers.

The cost figures on this page reflect his ongoing work to make this data accessible to patients.

Healthcare Data AnalyticsCMS TiC DataInsurance Price Transparency

Frequently Asked Questions — Brain MRI Costs in Arizona

What is the average cost of a Brain MRI visit in Arizona without insurance?

Without insurance, Brain MRI costs in Arizona typically range from $99.70 to $550.21, with a median cost of $215.34 based on negotiated rates from major insurers. Self-pay patients often receive discounts of 20-40% when paying at the time of service. Many Arizona imaging centers offer payment plans to help manage these costs, particularly for patients without insurance coverage.

Does Arizona Medicaid cover Brain MRI visits?

Yes, Arizona's expanded Medicaid program covers Brain MRI services when medically necessary and ordered by a healthcare provider. Prior authorization is typically required for non-emergency imaging studies. Arizona Medicaid (AHCCCS) has good provider participation rates throughout the state, though rural areas may have limited in-network imaging options.

How do I find an affordable Brain MRI near me in Arizona?

Compare costs between hospital-based imaging centers and independent radiology practices, as freestanding facilities often offer lower rates. Ask about self-pay discounts if you're uninsured, and consider traveling to suburban locations where overhead costs may be lower than in Scottsdale or central Phoenix. Community health centers and federally qualified health centers throughout Arizona may also offer reduced-cost imaging services based on income.

What is the difference in cost between an initial consultation and a follow-up visit?

Brain MRI is typically an imaging procedure ordered by your physician rather than a consultation visit, so the cost represents the imaging study itself plus radiologist interpretation fees. The median cost of $215.34 covers both the technical component (use of the MRI machine) and professional component (radiologist reading). Follow-up scans for monitoring known conditions use the same pricing structure as initial diagnostic studies.

Can I use an HSA or FSA to pay for a Brain MRI visit in Arizona?

Yes, Brain MRI services qualify as eligible medical expenses for both Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) when ordered by a healthcare provider. You can use these tax-advantaged funds to pay for deductibles, copays, and coinsurance related to your imaging study. Keep all receipts and documentation for tax purposes, as the IRS may request proof that the expense was medically necessary.

How does telemedicine affect the cost of seeing a Brain MRI in Arizona?

While the Brain MRI itself must be performed in person at an imaging facility, telemedicine can reduce costs for pre-imaging consultations and results discussions with your physician. Many Arizona providers offer telehealth follow-up visits to review MRI results, which typically cost less than in-person appointments. Remote radiologist interpretation, common throughout Arizona, helps maintain access to specialized expertise without additional patient costs.

Click a state to compare costs

Average Visit Cost

$265

$1,291

Office visit (CPT 70553)

Compare With Other States

Rank	State	Average↓	Min⇅	Max⇅	Providers⇅
1	North Dakota(ND) Range: $221 – $3,100	$1,291	$221	$3,100	649
2	Minnesota(MN) Range: $88 – $3,100	$1,247	$88	$3,100	3,070
3	Wisconsin(WI) Range: $80 – $2,464	$975	$80	$2,464	4,163
4	Nevada(NV) Range: $135 – $1,458	$698	$135	$1,458	2,580
5	Georgia(GA) Range: $101 – $1,468	$653	$101	$1,468	3,018
6	Hawaii(HI) Range: $88 – $1,014	$577	$88	$1,014	99
7	Massachusetts(MA) Range: $90 – $1,060	$567	$90	$1,060	1,770
8	Maine(ME) Range: $178 – $1,023	$548	$178	$1,023	1,697
9	Wyoming(WY) Range: $100 – $1,112	$537	$100	$1,112	183
10	Utah(UT) Range: $94 – $1,045	$510	$94	$1,045	349
11	Nebraska(NE) Range: $208 – $793	$504	$208	$793	2,641
12	New Mexico(NM) Range: $98 – $1,063	$492	$98	$1,063	1,235
13	New Hampshire(NH) Range: $129 – $993	$489	$129	$993	3,685
14	Washington(WA) Range: $100 – $863	$489	$100	$863	3,337
15	North Carolina(NC) Range: $99 – $988	$485	$99	$988	2,437
16	Iowa(IA) Range: $95 – $842	$483	$95	$842	409
17	Colorado(CO) Range: $95 – $1,015	$475	$95	$1,015	1,451
18	Indiana(IN) Range: $85 – $1,014	$471	$85	$1,014	360
19	Louisiana(LA) Range: $92 – $766	$468	$92	$766	1,172
20	Alaska(AK) Range: $97 – $948	$454	$97	$948	43
21	South Dakota(SD) Range: $247 – $552	$450	$247	$552	321
22	West Virginia(WV) Range: $98 – $687	$446	$98	$687	268
23	Vermont(VT) Range: $82 – $983	$443	$82	$983	345
24	Virginia(VA) Range: $76 – $970	$437	$76	$970	3,183
25	Michigan(MI) Range: $80 – $917	$430	$80	$917	2,202
26	Rhode Island(RI) Range: $88 – $879	$429	$88	$879	84
27	Idaho(ID) Range: $88 – $793	$428	$88	$793	136
28	District of Columbia(DC) Range: $90 – $879	$426	$90	$879	333
29	Oregon(OR) Range: $103 – $623	$426	$103	$623	662
30	Illinois(IL) Range: $93 – $842	$417	$93	$842	5,703
31	New York(NY) Range: $82 – $926	$417	$82	$926	32,184
32	Tennessee(TN) Range: $109 – $823	$417	$109	$823	2,409
33	Montana(MT) Range: $100 – $590	$414	$100	$590	91
34	Kansas(KS) Range: $107 – $818	$401	$107	$818	1,840
35	Kentucky(KY) Range: $83 – $842	$398	$83	$842	225
36	South Carolina(SC) Range: $82 – $829	$390	$82	$829	1,282
37	Alabama(AL) Range: $88 – $811	$384	$88	$811	2,663
38	Pennsylvania(PA) Range: $57 – $879	$384	$57	$879	1,970
39	Oklahoma(OK) Range: $85 – $817	$377	$85	$817	2,094
40	Mississippi(MS) Range: $89 – $811	$376	$89	$811	1,312
41	New Jersey(NJ) Range: $63 – $830	$374	$63	$830	7,290
42	Ohio(OH) Range: $78 – $813	$373	$78	$813	4,538
43	Texas(TX) Range: $90 – $721	$355	$90	$721	10,894
44	Maryland(MD) Range: $46 – $737	$351	$46	$737	4,016
45	Delaware(DE) Range: $98 – $596	$345	$98	$596	199
46	Missouri(MO) Range: $115 – $628	$342	$115	$628	5,338
47	Arkansas(AR) Range: $104 – $630	$340	$104	$630	131
48	Connecticut(CT) Range: $55 – $777	$337	$55	$777	896
49	Florida(FL) Range: $35 – $811	$302	$35	$811	4,998
50	Arizona(AZ) Range: $100 – $550	$288	$100	$550	4,828
51	California(CA) Range: $55 – $654	$265	$55	$654	9,774