Louisiana

Cost of a Brain MRI Visit
in Louisiana

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

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

Louisiana's healthcare system reflects both urban medical centers in New Orleans and Baton Rouge alongside rural parishes with limited specialist access, creating significant cost variation for medical imaging services. Brain MRI patients typically pay between $91.68 and $765.59, with a median out-of-pocket cost of $547.52 across Louisiana's 1,172 active providers. Patients can browse all Brain MRI providers throughout Louisiana to compare costs and find the most affordable option for their specific insurance plan.

Average

$468

Median

$548

Lowest

$92

Highest

$766

Providers

1,172

National avg: $478Louisiana: $468

2% below national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does mri brain compare to related procedures in Louisiana?

Procedure	CPT	Low	Median	High	Providers
MRI Knee MRI of the knee without contrast	73721	$55	$327	$429	1,325
MRI Lumbar Spine MRI of the lumbar spine without contrast	72148	$60	$356	$702	1,176
CT Abdomen & Pelvis CT scan of abdomen and pelvis with contrast	74177	$66	$201	$424	1,112
CT Chest CT scan of the chest with contrast	71260	$48	$171	$288	1,374

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 Louisiana

Louisiana's Brain MRI costs run approximately 1% above national averages, influenced by the state's mix of urban medical centers and rural healthcare challenges. The absence of Medicaid expansion creates unique cost pressures as providers absorb more uncompensated care costs, while the moderate ASC market provides some competitive pricing alternatives to hospital-based facilities.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Louisiana's healthcare geography creates stark contrasts between well-served areas like Greater New Orleans and Baton Rouge versus rural parishes with limited imaging access. Many rural Louisiana residents must travel significant distances to reach Brain MRI facilities, often driving to larger cities for specialized imaging services. This geographic disparity affects both access and pricing, as rural facilities may charge premium rates due to limited competition.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Hospital-based outpatient imaging centers in Louisiana typically charge higher rates than independent radiology clinics due to higher overhead costs and facility fees. Major health systems like Ochsner Health and Our Lady of the Lake operate extensive imaging networks throughout the state, while independent practices often offer more competitive pricing. Ambulatory surgery centers provide cost-effective alternatives for outpatient imaging, though availability varies by region.

Insurance Market Competition in Louisiana

Louisiana's insurance market is moderately competitive with BCBS Louisiana holding significant market share alongside UHC and Aetna. The concentrated market allows these major insurers to negotiate competitive rates with providers, though patients may face limited network choices in certain parishes. Rural areas often have fewer insurance options, potentially leading to higher out-of-pocket costs for patients with limited network providers.

Physician Supply and Demand in Louisiana

Louisiana's 1,172 active Brain MRI providers suggest adequate supply in metropolitan areas, though distribution heavily favors urban centers over rural parishes. This supply concentration creates pricing advantages for patients in cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, where provider competition helps moderate costs. Rural areas often experience longer wait times and higher prices due to limited provider availability and reduced competition.

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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 Louisiana

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

Brain MRI costs in Louisiana range from $91.68 to $765.59 without insurance, with a median cost of $547.52. Self-pay patients often qualify for cash discounts that can reduce these amounts by 20-40%. Many Louisiana radiology practices offer payment plans to help manage these costs over time.

Does Louisiana Medicaid cover Brain MRI visits?

Louisiana Medicaid covers Brain MRI scans when medically necessary and properly authorized by a physician. However, Louisiana did not expand Medicaid, so coverage is limited to very low-income individuals, families with children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Patients should verify their eligibility and ensure prior authorization requirements are met before scheduling.

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

Compare costs between hospital-based imaging centers and independent radiology clinics, as independents often offer lower prices. Ask about self-pay discounts if you're uninsured or have a high-deductible plan, and consider community health centers that may offer sliding-scale fees. Momentary Lab can instantly compare Brain MRI costs across Louisiana providers and check your insurance coverage.

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

Brain MRI is typically an imaging procedure rather than a consultation visit, so costs are based on the scan itself rather than visit type. However, the radiologist's interpretation fee may vary slightly depending on complexity and comparison with prior studies. Most Louisiana providers charge standard rates for Brain MRI regardless of whether it's your first scan or a follow-up study.

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

Yes, Brain MRI scans are qualified medical expenses that can be paid for using HSA or FSA funds when prescribed by a physician. You can use these tax-advantaged accounts to cover both the imaging procedure and any associated radiologist interpretation fees. Keep your receipts and physician orders for tax documentation purposes.

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

While the Brain MRI scan itself must be performed in person at an imaging facility, some Louisiana providers offer telehealth consultations to discuss results or determine if imaging is necessary. These virtual consultations typically cost less than in-person visits and can help patients avoid unnecessary travel, particularly beneficial for rural Louisiana residents. Telemedicine follow-ups after Brain MRI results are available may also reduce overall care 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