West Virginia

Cost of a Knee MRI Visit
in West Virginia

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

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

West Virginia's mountainous terrain and high rates of physical labor contribute to the state having one of the nation's highest rates of knee injuries and joint problems. Patients seeking a Knee MRI typically pay between $71 and $425, with a median out-of-pocket cost of $327 across the state's 275 active providers. West Virginia residents can browse all available Knee MRI providers to find the most affordable option in their area.

Average

$274

Median

$327

Lowest

$71

Highest

$425

Providers

275

National avg: $268West Virginia: $274

2% above national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does mri knee compare to related procedures in West Virginia?

Procedure	CPT	Low	Median	High	Providers
MRI Brain MRI of the brain with and without contrast	70553	$98	$552	$687	268
MRI Lumbar Spine MRI of the lumbar spine without contrast	72148	$79	$368	$418	265
CT Abdomen & Pelvis CT scan of abdomen and pelvis with contrast	74177	$76	$229	$1,842	186
CT Chest CT scan of the chest with contrast	71260	$64	$171	$317	229

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 West Virginia

West Virginia's healthcare costs run approximately 2% below the national average, reflecting the state's lower cost of living and rural market dynamics. However, the state's challenging mountain terrain and scattered population create unique access challenges that can drive up costs in certain regions while keeping others more affordable.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Charleston and Morgantown offer the highest concentration of Knee MRI providers and imaging facilities, creating competitive pricing environments where patients can find services toward the lower end of the $71-$425 range. Rural counties in eastern and southern West Virginia often have limited imaging options, requiring patients to travel significant distances and potentially pay premium rates at the few available facilities. This geographic disparity means location significantly impacts both access and cost for Knee MRI services.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

West Virginia University Medicine and Charleston Area Medical Center operate large hospital-based imaging departments that typically charge higher facility fees but offer comprehensive services and subspecialty expertise. Independent imaging centers and outpatient facilities generally provide more competitive pricing, with some offering the lowest rates in the $71-$327 range. The state's smaller community hospitals often fall in the middle of the pricing spectrum, balancing accessibility with reasonable costs.

Insurance Market Competition in West Virginia

The dominance of Highmark West Virginia, along with UnitedHealthcare and Aetna, creates a relatively concentrated insurance market with limited competition compared to larger states. This concentration can result in less aggressive rate negotiations with providers, though the insurers' established networks help maintain some cost predictability. The limited number of major players means network adequacy is crucial, as patients have fewer alternatives if their preferred provider isn't covered.

Physician Supply and Demand in West Virginia

With 275 active Knee MRI providers statewide, West Virginia maintains reasonable access to imaging services despite its small population, though distribution heavily favors urban areas. This provider count suggests adequate supply in metro regions but potential shortages in rural counties, which can drive up wait times and costs in underserved areas. The concentration of radiologists and imaging facilities in Charleston and Morgantown helps keep costs competitive in these markets while creating access challenges elsewhere.

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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 West Virginia

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

Uninsured patients in West Virginia typically pay between $71 and $425 for a Knee MRI, with a median cost of $327. Many imaging centers offer cash-pay discounts that can reduce these rates by 20-40%, making the procedure more affordable for self-pay patients. It's worth calling multiple providers to compare their self-pay rates, as costs can vary significantly even within the same city.

Does West Virginia Medicaid cover Knee MRI visits?

Yes, West Virginia expanded Medicaid covers Knee MRI visits when medically necessary and ordered by a qualified physician. Medicaid typically covers the full cost with minimal patient responsibility, though prior authorization may be required for non-emergency imaging. Eligibility extends to adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, providing crucial access to diagnostic imaging for many West Virginians.

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

Compare prices across different facility types, as independent imaging centers often charge less than hospital-based departments within the $71-$425 range. Ask about cash-pay discounts if you're uninsured, and consider community health centers that may offer sliding-scale fees. Urban areas like Charleston and Morgantown typically have more competitive pricing due to higher provider density.

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

The data provided focuses specifically on Knee MRI imaging costs, which range from $71 to $425 regardless of whether it's your first or follow-up scan. However, the physician consultation fees associated with reviewing results may vary, with initial consultations typically costing more than follow-up visits. Most insurance plans cover follow-up visits at the same rate as initial visits when medically necessary.

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

Yes, Knee MRI visits qualify as eligible medical expenses for both Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) when used for diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. You can use these pre-tax dollars to pay for any portion not covered by insurance, including deductibles and copays. Keep your receipts and any documentation showing the medical necessity of the imaging for your account records.

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

While the Knee MRI scan itself must be performed in person, many West Virginia providers offer telemedicine consultations to review results and discuss treatment plans, which typically cost less than in-person follow-up visits. Remote consultations can be particularly valuable for patients in rural areas who would otherwise need to travel long distances to specialty clinics in Charleston or Morgantown. Some insurers cover telehealth visits at the same rate as office visits, making this a cost-effective option for ongoing 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