Massachusetts

Cost of a Knee MRI Visit
in Massachusetts

Name: MRI Knee Cost in Massachusetts (2026)
Creator: Jayant Panwar
Published: 2026-03-18

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

Massachusetts's concentrated healthcare market, dominated by major academic medical centers and high provider costs that run ~20% above national averages, creates significant price variation for Knee MRI services. Patients typically pay between $69.51 and $589.50, with a median negotiated rate of $327.00 across the state's extensive network of imaging facilities. With over 1,753 active providers offering Knee MRI services throughout Massachusetts, patients can browse all available options to find the most cost-effective care that meets their specific needs.

Average

$329

Median

$327

Lowest

$70

Highest

$590

Providers

1,753

National avg: $268Massachusetts: $329

23% above national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does mri knee compare to related procedures in Massachusetts?

Procedure	CPT	Low	Median	High	Providers
MRI Brain MRI of the brain with and without contrast	70553	$90	$552	$1,060	1,770
MRI Lumbar Spine MRI of the lumbar spine without contrast	72148	$74	$368	$590	1,481
CT Abdomen & Pelvis CT scan of abdomen and pelvis with contrast	74177	$80	$299	$896	1,427
CT Chest CT scan of the chest with contrast	71260	$64	$171	$454	1,801

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 73721 — MRI any joint of lower extremity without 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 73721 covers

Data source: Cost figures are derived from UnitedHealthcare Transparency in Coverage machine-readable files for CPT code 73721 (MRI any joint of lower extremity without contrast), as mandated by the CMS Price Transparency Rule.

What CPT 73721 covers: the provider's professional fee for mri knee. 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 Knee MRI Visit Costs Vary Across Massachusetts

Massachusetts healthcare costs run approximately 20% above national averages, driven by the state's concentration of prestigious academic medical centers, high cost of living, and robust insurance coverage that reduces price sensitivity. The state's pioneering healthcare reform and highly educated population have created a market where premium services command premium prices, particularly in the Greater Boston area.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

The Greater Boston metropolitan area hosts the majority of Massachusetts's imaging facilities, including numerous hospital-based MRI centers affiliated with world-renowned institutions like Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women's Hospital. Rural areas in western Massachusetts have fewer options, often requiring patients to travel to Springfield, Pittsfield, or even into the Boston area for specialized imaging services. This geographic concentration creates higher demand and pricing in urban areas while limiting competitive pressure in rural regions.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Massachusetts's healthcare landscape is dominated by large health systems like Mass General Brigham, Boston Medical Center, and UMass Memorial, which operate high-overhead hospital-based imaging centers. These academic medical centers maintain expensive equipment and specialized staff, resulting in higher costs compared to independent imaging facilities. The state's numerous teaching hospitals also factor research and education costs into their pricing structures, contributing to overall higher rates.

Insurance Market Competition in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts insurance market features moderate competition between BCBS MA, Tufts Health Plan, and Harvard Pilgrim, but market consolidation has reduced competitive pressure on negotiated rates. BCBS MA holds the largest market share, giving it significant negotiating power with providers, while smaller insurers may accept higher rates to maintain adequate networks. The state's regulatory environment and mandatory coverage requirements also influence insurer-provider contract negotiations.

Physician Supply and Demand in Massachusetts

With over 1,753 providers offering Knee MRI services, Massachusetts has a relatively robust supply of imaging facilities compared to many states, particularly concentrated around Boston's medical district. However, the high demand from the state's aging population and active healthcare utilization keeps capacity tight at preferred facilities. This supply-demand balance allows providers to maintain premium pricing, especially at prestigious academic medical centers where patients specifically seek care.

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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 — Knee MRI Costs in Massachusetts

What is the average cost of a Knee MRI visit in Massachusetts without insurance?

Without insurance, Knee MRI costs in Massachusetts range from $69.51 to $589.50, with a median rate of $327.00 based on negotiated rates from major insurers. Self-pay patients may face higher list prices but can often negotiate discounts of 20-40% at independent imaging centers. Many facilities offer payment plans to help manage the cost of this expensive diagnostic test.

Does Massachusetts Medicaid cover Knee MRI visits?

Yes, MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid) covers medically necessary Knee MRI studies with minimal patient cost-sharing when performed at participating facilities. Prior authorization may be required for non-urgent studies, and patients should verify that both the imaging facility and interpreting radiologist participate in MassHealth. Coverage extends to both the technical component of performing the MRI and the professional component of interpreting the results.

How do I find an affordable Knee MRI near me in Massachusetts?

Compare costs between hospital-based imaging centers and independent facilities, as independent centers often charge 20-30% less than academic medical centers. Ask about self-pay discounts if you're uninsured, and consider facilities in suburban or western Massachusetts where overhead costs are typically lower. Community health centers and imaging chains may offer more competitive pricing than prestigious Boston-area hospitals.

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

The MRI study itself costs between $69.51 and $589.50 regardless of whether it's your first or follow-up imaging, but associated consultation fees vary. Initial consultations with orthopedic specialists typically cost more than follow-up visits to review MRI results. Many patients have the MRI performed first, then schedule a separate appointment to discuss results, which may involve additional consultation charges.

Can I use an HSA or FSA to pay for a Knee MRI visit in Massachusetts?

Yes, Knee MRI studies are qualified medical expenses that can be paid for using HSA or FSA funds, including both the imaging study and related consultation fees. You can use these accounts for deductibles, copays, and any portion not covered by your insurance. Keep all receipts and documentation, as medically necessary imaging studies are always eligible expenses under IRS guidelines.

How does telemedicine affect the cost of seeing a Knee MRI in Massachusetts?

While the MRI study itself must be performed in person, many Massachusetts providers now offer telehealth consultations to discuss results, which typically cost $50-150 less than in-person visits. Some orthopedic practices use telemedicine for initial consultations to determine if MRI is needed, potentially saving unnecessary imaging costs. Massachusetts insurers generally cover telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person consultations, making this a cost-effective option for follow-up care.

Click a state to compare costs

Average Visit Cost

$183

$447

Office visit (CPT 73721)

Compare With Other States

Rank	State	Average↓	Min⇅	Max⇅	Providers⇅
1	Georgia(GA) Range: $64 – $1,036	$447	$64	$1,036	3,069
2	Wisconsin(WI) Range: $73 – $1,001	$404	$73	$1,001	5,766
3	Maine(ME) Range: $105 – $701	$366	$105	$701	1,696
4	Nevada(NV) Range: $80 – $642	$357	$80	$642	2,603
5	Wyoming(WY) Range: $59 – $697	$336	$59	$697	183
6	Massachusetts(MA) Range: $70 – $590	$329	$70	$590	1,753
7	Hawaii(HI) Range: $75 – $505	$322	$75	$505	106
8	Nebraska(NE) Range: $123 – $504	$322	$123	$504	2,645
9	Minnesota(MN) Range: $83 – $507	$306	$83	$507	3,234
10	Colorado(CO) Range: $60 – $642	$299	$60	$642	1,531
11	Washington(WA) Range: $59 – $505	$297	$59	$505	3,351
12	New Hampshire(NH) Range: $77 – $590	$296	$77	$590	3,687
13	Iowa(IA) Range: $80 – $516	$296	$80	$516	523
14	Illinois(IL) Range: $69 – $595	$295	$69	$595	7,078
15	North Carolina(NC) Range: $65 – $580	$290	$65	$580	2,625
16	Indiana(IN) Range: $59 – $595	$284	$59	$595	374
17	Vermont(VT) Range: $57 – $617	$281	$57	$617	342
18	New Mexico(NM) Range: $57 – $588	$281	$57	$588	1,220
19	West Virginia(WV) Range: $71 – $425	$274	$71	$425	275
20	Utah(UT) Range: $59 – $504	$273	$59	$504	354
21	District of Columbia(DC) Range: $53 – $560	$272	$53	$560	333
22	Louisiana(LA) Range: $55 – $429	$270	$55	$429	1,325
23	Rhode Island(RI) Range: $59 – $537	$267	$59	$537	84
24	Oregon(OR) Range: $75 – $393	$265	$75	$393	711
25	Virginia(VA) Range: $45 – $569	$262	$45	$569	3,190
26	New York(NY) Range: $48 – $582	$262	$48	$582	31,869
27	South Dakota(SD) Range: $131 – $327	$262	$131	$327	320
28	Alaska(AK) Range: $59 – $527	$261	$59	$527	47
29	Idaho(ID) Range: $59 – $462	$255	$59	$462	140
30	Michigan(MI) Range: $62 – $506	$252	$62	$506	2,225
31	Kansas(KS) Range: $65 – $504	$249	$65	$504	1,844
32	Montana(MT) Range: $59 – $358	$248	$59	$358	98
33	Tennessee(TN) Range: $66 – $479	$247	$66	$479	2,446
34	North Dakota(ND) Range: $83 – $327	$246	$83	$327	646
35	Kentucky(KY) Range: $59 – $492	$242	$59	$492	218
36	Missouri(MO) Range: $69 – $461	$238	$69	$461	5,342
37	Alabama(AL) Range: $53 – $479	$232	$53	$479	2,672
38	Pennsylvania(PA) Range: $55 – $506	$232	$55	$506	1,965
39	Texas(TX) Range: $59 – $464	$230	$59	$464	9,215
40	South Carolina(SC) Range: $58 – $468	$230	$58	$468	1,323
41	Delaware(DE) Range: $63 – $399	$226	$63	$399	201
42	California(CA) Range: $75 – $505	$220	$75	$505	10,126
43	Mississippi(MS) Range: $52 – $465	$220	$52	$465	1,307
44	Oklahoma(OK) Range: $55 – $464	$219	$55	$464	2,142
45	New Jersey(NJ) Range: $47 – $466	$219	$47	$466	7,266
46	Maryland(MD) Range: $26 – $457	$218	$26	$457	4,019
47	Ohio(OH) Range: $45 – $452	$214	$45	$452	4,556
48	Connecticut(CT) Range: $55 – $472	$211	$55	$472	891
49	Arkansas(AR) Range: $66 – $327	$192	$66	$327	128
50	Florida(FL) Range: $35 – $479	$191	$35	$479	4,991
51	Arizona(AZ) Range: $59 – $350	$183	$59	$350	5,301