Texas

Cost of a Knee MRI Visit
in Texas

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

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

Texas ranks among the top states for healthcare facility density, with over 600 ambulatory surgery centers serving patients across its sprawling geography. Knee MRI patients typically pay between $58.90 and $463.82, with a median out-of-pocket cost of $166.86 based on negotiated insurance rates. With 9,215 active Knee MRI providers throughout the state, Texas patients have substantial options for finding quality care at competitive prices.

Average

$230

Median

$167

Lowest

$59

Highest

$464

Providers

9,215

National avg: $268Texas: $230

14% below national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does mri knee compare to related procedures in Texas?

Procedure	CPT	Low	Median	High	Providers
MRI Brain MRI of the brain with and without contrast	70553	$90	$253	$721	10,894
MRI Lumbar Spine MRI of the lumbar spine without contrast	72148	$65	$148	$447	9,998
CT Abdomen & Pelvis CT scan of abdomen and pelvis with contrast	74177	$80	$220	$534	11,522
CT Chest CT scan of the chest with contrast	71260	$54	$135	$345	11,171

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 Texas

Texas healthcare costs run approximately 4% below national averages, reflecting the state's business-friendly environment and competitive provider market. The Lone Star State's vast geography creates significant cost variations between urban medical hubs like the Texas Medical Center and rural counties with limited specialist access.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Major metropolitan areas including Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin concentrate most knee MRI specialists, creating competitive pricing in these markets. Rural Texas counties often lack imaging facilities entirely, forcing patients to travel long distances or rely on mobile MRI services. This geographic disparity can increase costs for rural patients due to travel expenses and limited provider choice.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Hospital-based outpatient imaging departments typically charge 40-60% more than independent imaging centers in Texas due to higher overhead and facility fees. Major health systems like Houston Methodist, Baylor Scott & White, and Memorial Hermann operate extensive imaging networks with premium pricing. Freestanding imaging centers and ambulatory surgery centers offer more competitive rates while maintaining quality standards.

Insurance Market Competition in Texas

UnitedHealthCare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Aetna, and Cigna compete vigorously across Texas markets, creating favorable negotiated rates for consumers. The state's large population and diverse markets encourage insurer competition, though some rural areas have limited plan options. This competitive environment generally keeps knee MRI costs below national averages while maintaining quality care access.

Physician Supply and Demand in Texas

With 9,215 active knee MRI providers statewide, Texas maintains adequate specialist supply in urban areas while facing shortages in rural regions. This provider density in major metros creates competitive pricing and shorter wait times for patients. Rural provider shortages can drive up costs and extend scheduling delays, making urban centers attractive despite potentially higher base rates.

HSA/FSA eligible

A doctor by your side, always

Prescriptions, lab orders, and referrals — instantly

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 Texas

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

Uninsured patients in Texas typically pay between $58.90 and $463.82 for knee MRI services, with a median cost of $166.86 based on negotiated insurance rates. These prices reflect what insurers have agreed to pay providers and may be higher for cash-paying patients. Many facilities offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% for patients who pay upfront, making the actual out-of-pocket costs potentially lower than insurance rates.

Does Texas Medicaid cover Knee MRI visits?

Texas chose not to expand Medicaid, limiting coverage to specific populations including children, pregnant women, parents with very low incomes, and individuals with disabilities. For eligible Medicaid recipients, knee MRI services are covered when medically necessary and properly authorized. Adults without children who earn above extremely low income thresholds typically don't qualify for Texas Medicaid, leaving many without coverage options for specialty imaging services.

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

Compare costs between hospital-based imaging departments and independent facilities, as standalone centers often charge 40-60% less than hospital outpatient departments. Ask about self-pay discounts, payment plans, and sliding-scale fees, especially at community health centers and independent practices. Consider traveling to nearby cities if you live in rural areas, as urban competition often drives down prices despite travel costs.

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

Initial knee MRI consultations typically involve more comprehensive evaluation and planning, while follow-up visits focus on reviewing results and treatment adjustments. The imaging study itself represents the majority of costs regardless of visit type. Follow-up appointments for result interpretation may be bundled with the initial imaging cost or billed separately as office visits with lower fees than the diagnostic procedure.

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

Yes, knee MRI visits qualify as eligible medical expenses for both Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts when medically necessary. You can use these pre-tax dollars for the imaging study, radiologist interpretation fees, and related consultation costs. Keep detailed receipts and documentation of medical necessity, as HSA and FSA administrators may require proof that the imaging was prescribed by a healthcare provider for reimbursement.

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

While the MRI scan itself requires in-person imaging, telemedicine consultations for reviewing results and discussing treatment options typically cost 20-50% less than office visits in Texas. Many radiologists and orthopedic specialists offer virtual follow-up appointments to discuss imaging findings and treatment plans. Texas expanded telehealth coverage during the pandemic, and many insurers continue covering virtual consultations, making ongoing care more affordable and accessible.

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