Vermont

Cost of a Brain MRI Visit
in Vermont

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

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

Vermont's small healthcare market and limited provider network contribute to Brain MRI costs that run approximately 15% above the national average. Patients typically pay between $81.86 and $982.60, with a median out-of-pocket cost of $264.74 across 345 active Brain MRI providers statewide. Whether you're in Burlington's medical corridor or a rural Green Mountain community, you can browse all Brain MRI providers in Vermont to find quality care that fits your budget.

Average

$443

Median

$265

Lowest

$82

Highest

$983

Providers

345

National avg: $478Vermont: $443

7% below national average

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Compare Similar Procedures

How does mri brain compare to related procedures in Vermont?

Procedure	CPT	Low	Median	High	Providers
MRI Knee MRI of the knee without contrast	73721	$57	$167	$617	342
MRI Lumbar Spine MRI of the lumbar spine without contrast	72148	$63	$156	$583	341
CT Abdomen & Pelvis CT scan of abdomen and pelvis with contrast	74177	$73	$227	$848	354
CT Chest CT scan of the chest with contrast	71260	$49	$143	$516	346

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 Vermont

Vermont's healthcare costs run roughly 15% above the national average, driven by the state's small population, rural geography, and limited provider competition. The Green Mountain State's challenging winter weather and mountainous terrain create additional operational costs for medical facilities throughout much of the year.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Burlington and its surrounding Chittenden County concentrate most of Vermont's Brain MRI specialists, while residents in the Northeast Kingdom and southern regions often travel significant distances for imaging services. This geographic disparity creates both access challenges and cost variations, with rural facilities sometimes offering lower rates but urban centers providing more specialized expertise.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

The University of Vermont Medical Center and other hospital-based imaging departments typically charge premium rates compared to independent radiology clinics scattered throughout smaller Vermont communities. Hospital facilities carry higher overhead costs for 24/7 operations and emergency capabilities, while standalone imaging centers can operate more efficiently with scheduled appointments only.

Insurance Market Competition in Vermont

With primarily Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont and MVP Health Care dominating the market, insurer competition remains limited compared to larger states, potentially affecting negotiated rates with providers. This concentrated market can result in less aggressive rate negotiations, though both insurers maintain broad networks to serve Vermont's dispersed population effectively.

Physician Supply and Demand in Vermont

Vermont's 345 active Brain MRI providers serve a population of roughly 645,000 residents, indicating adequate supply in urban areas but potential shortages in remote regions. The state's rural nature and harsh winters can make physician recruitment challenging, particularly for specialized services, which may contribute to longer wait times and higher costs in underserved areas.

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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 Vermont

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

Uninsured patients in Vermont can expect to pay between $81.86 and $982.60 for a Brain MRI scan, with a median cost of $264.74. However, many facilities offer cash-pay discounts that can reduce these rates by 30-50%. Independent imaging centers typically charge less than hospital-based facilities, making it worthwhile to compare options across your region.

Does Vermont Medicaid cover Brain MRI visits?

Yes, Vermont's expanded Medicaid program covers medically necessary Brain MRI scans when ordered by your physician. Coverage includes both the imaging procedure and radiologist interpretation, though you may need prior authorization depending on the specific clinical indication. Vermont's Medicaid expansion has significantly improved access to specialized imaging for lower-income residents throughout the state.

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

Start by comparing costs between hospital-based imaging centers and independent radiology clinics, as independents often charge 20-40% less for the same scan. Ask about self-pay discounts if you're uninsured, and consider traveling to nearby communities where overhead costs may be lower. Community health centers and some rural hospitals also offer sliding fee scales based on income.

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

Brain MRI scans typically cost $81.86 to $982.60 regardless of whether it's your first visit or a follow-up appointment, as the imaging procedure itself remains the same. However, any accompanying physician consultation may vary in cost, with initial evaluations sometimes requiring more time and documentation than routine follow-ups. The radiologist interpretation fee is usually consistent between visits.

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

Yes, Brain MRI scans are qualified medical expenses that can be paid using HSA or FSA funds when ordered by a physician for diagnostic purposes. Keep your receipt and any documentation showing medical necessity, as these accounts require proper documentation for tax purposes. This can provide significant tax savings, especially for higher-cost imaging procedures.

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

While the actual Brain MRI scan must be performed in person at an imaging facility, telemedicine can reduce costs for consultations to review results or discuss symptoms beforehand. Many Vermont providers now offer virtual follow-up appointments to discuss scan findings, which typically cost less than in-person visits and eliminate travel time. Some radiologists also provide remote second opinions on imaging studies for patients in rural areas.

Click a state to compare costs

Average Visit Cost