Ohio

Cost of a Brain MRI Visit
in Ohio

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

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

Ohio's extensive healthcare network spans from Cleveland Clinic's world-renowned facilities to rural community hospitals, creating significant variation in Brain MRI costs across the state's 88 counties. Patients typically pay between $78 and $813 for Brain MRI services, with a median out-of-pocket cost of $228, based on negotiated insurance rates from over 4,500 active providers statewide. Browse all Brain MRI providers in Ohio to compare costs and find the right specialist for your needs.

Average

$373

Median

$228

Lowest

$78

Highest

$813

Providers

4,538

National avg: $478Ohio: $373

22% below national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does mri brain compare to related procedures in Ohio?

Procedure	CPT	Low	Median	High	Providers
MRI Knee MRI of the knee without contrast	73721	$45	$147	$452	4,556
MRI Lumbar Spine MRI of the lumbar spine without contrast	72148	$49	$136	$457	3,589
CT Abdomen & Pelvis CT scan of abdomen and pelvis with contrast	74177	$69	$184	$449	6,569
CT Chest CT scan of the chest with contrast	71260	$41	$122	$298	4,434

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 Ohio

Ohio's healthcare costs run approximately 2% below national averages, reflecting the state's moderate cost of living and competitive insurance market featuring regional leaders like Medical Mutual alongside national players. The state's diverse geography, from dense urban corridors to rural Appalachian counties, creates distinct cost and access patterns across its 88 counties.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Ohio's major metropolitan areas including Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati concentrate most Brain MRI specialists, creating competitive pricing and shorter wait times in these regions. Rural counties, particularly in southeastern Ohio's Appalachian region, often have limited specialist access, requiring patients to travel to urban centers for care. This geographic disparity can increase total care costs when factoring in travel time and expenses for rural patients.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Large health systems like Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, and Cincinnati Children's Hospital dominate Ohio's specialty care landscape, often charging facility fees that independent practices cannot. Hospital-owned outpatient clinics typically have higher overhead costs reflected in their pricing, while independent Brain MRI practices may offer more competitive rates. Academic medical centers, particularly those affiliated with Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve University, may charge premium rates for specialized expertise.

Insurance Market Competition in Ohio

Ohio's insurance market features moderate competition with Medical Mutual holding strong regional presence alongside national insurers Anthem and UHC, preventing any single payer from dominating rate negotiations. This competitive balance helps keep negotiated rates reasonable compared to states with highly concentrated insurance markets. The state's Medicaid expansion also increased insurer participation in managed care, creating additional competitive pressure on specialist reimbursement rates.

Physician Supply and Demand in Ohio

With over 4,500 active Brain MRI providers statewide, Ohio maintains adequate specialist supply in urban areas but faces shortages in rural regions, particularly along the southeastern border. This relatively robust provider network in metropolitan areas helps contain costs through competition, while rural shortages can drive up prices and extend wait times. The state's multiple medical schools and residency programs help maintain steady specialist supply, though rural recruitment remains challenging.

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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 Ohio

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

Uninsured patients in Ohio typically pay between $78 and $813 for Brain MRI services, with a median cost of $228 based on negotiated insurance rates from over 4,500 providers statewide. Many practices offer cash-pay discounts of 20-40% below these rates, and community health centers may provide sliding-scale fees based on income. Self-pay patients should always ask about payment plans and discount programs before scheduling their appointment.

Does Ohio Medicaid cover Brain MRI visits?

Yes, Ohio's expanded Medicaid program covers Brain MRI visits when medically necessary, typically with minimal copays for eligible patients. Prior authorization may be required for certain procedures or advanced imaging studies, and some plans require referrals from primary care physicians. Medicaid managed care plans in Ohio generally provide good access to specialist care, though patients should verify their specific plan's requirements and preferred provider networks.

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

Compare costs across different facility types, as independent practices often charge less than hospital-owned specialty clinics throughout Ohio. Ask about cash-pay discounts, payment plans, and sliding-scale fees, especially at community health centers and academic medical centers. Consider traveling to nearby cities if you live in rural areas, as urban markets typically offer more competitive pricing and shorter wait times due to higher provider density.

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

Initial Brain MRI consultations typically cost more than follow-up visits due to the comprehensive evaluation required during first appointments. While specific follow-up visit data isn't available, new patient visits generally involve more extensive assessment and documentation, resulting in higher charges. Most insurance plans also have different copay structures for new versus established patient visits, with initial consultations often requiring higher out-of-pocket payments.

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

Yes, Brain MRI visits qualify as eligible medical expenses for both Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) in Ohio. You can use these pre-tax dollars for copays, deductibles, and any portion of the visit not covered by insurance. Keep detailed receipts and documentation of medical necessity, as HSA and FSA administrators may require this information for reimbursement or audit purposes.

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

Telemedicine consultations with Brain MRI specialists typically cost 20-50% less than in-person visits and are widely available throughout Ohio's urban and rural areas. Many insurers now cover telehealth visits at the same rate as office visits, making virtual consultations an affordable option for follow-up care and initial evaluations. However, certain examinations and procedures still require in-person visits, so discuss with your provider whether telehealth is appropriate for your specific needs.

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