Average MRI Brain without Contrast cost
69 hospitals in Virginia and North Carolina publish prices for this procedure. Here's what we found.
Average and range computed from cash prices each hospital publishes under the federal hospital price transparency rule (45 CFR 180.50). Insurance-negotiated rates vary by plan; see hospital pages for the per-plan rates.
How much this varies
69 hospitals across 2 states publish prices for this procedure. Because costs, quality, and insurance networks vary by market, pick your state below to see what hospitals in your area charge.
Which mri brain code applies?
MRI of the brain is billed under one of three codes depending on whether contrast dye is used. Contrast is a gadolinium-based agent injected during the scan to make certain structures more visible. The provider decides which is appropriate based on what's being looked for.
-
70551 MRI brain without contrast (this page)
No contrast dye. Used when the provider is looking for stroke, structural abnormalities, or chronic changes that don't require contrast enhancement.
-
70552 MRI brain with contrast
Contrast dye injected during the scan. Used when the provider is looking for tumors, infection, or inflammation that's clearer with contrast enhancement.
-
Both — scan first without contrast, then again after contrast is injected. Used when comparing the two views adds diagnostic value, often for suspected tumors, multiple sclerosis follow-up, or post-surgical assessment.
Important: The contrast variant is usually decided by the ordering provider before the scan, but the technologist confirms before injection. A 'with and without' scan typically costs more than a single variant because the scan time is longer and the contrast agent is billed separately under code Q9967 or similar.
Observations about coding conventions, sourced to CMS and AMA code definitions. Not medical advice. Not legal advice.
Imaging prices vary more than almost any other procedure because hospitals bundle the facility fee, the technical fee, and the radiologist's interpretation differently. Some hospitals quote a single number. Others bill the scan and the read separately, so a $400 MRI can become $900 once the radiologist's fee arrives two weeks later. Ownership matters too — academic medical centers, nonprofit community hospitals, and for-profit chains all run their imaging departments on different cost structures. Outpatient imaging centers, which don't carry hospital overhead, often charge significantly less for the exact same scan on the exact same equipment. Before you schedule, ask whether the quoted price includes the radiologist's read, and whether an outpatient imaging center near you offers the same study.
Pricing by state
Prices vary by state. Select your state to see hospitals near you.
Where do you need this done?
Select your area and we'll show you every hospital's price, quality rating, and insurance rate.
Don't see your area? We're expanding to new cities. In the meantime, these prices can still help — call your hospital's billing department and ask: "What is your cash price for mri brain without contrast?" Then compare it to the range above.
Related imaging procedures
Other procedures in the same category, with their own published-price comparisons.
Common questions
How much does mri brain without contrast cost?
Prices vary significantly by state. Pick your state below to see the range in your market. Across the 2 states we cover, 69 hospitals publish prices for this procedure. Prices also vary by insurance plan and whether you pay cash or use insurance.
Which hospital is cheapest for mri brain without contrast?
The cheapest hospital depends on where you live. Prices vary significantly between markets, and most patients can't realistically travel across states for a procedure. Select your state and city above to see the lowest-priced hospitals near you.
Why do hospitals charge different prices for the same mri brain without contrast?
Hospital prices vary based on ownership type, location, negotiated insurance rates, and facility overhead. The CMS Hospital Price Transparency Rule requires every hospital to publish all prices, making these differences visible for the first time.
Data compiled by HospitalCost from 17 federal sources including CMS Hospital Price Transparency files, Hospital Compare, HCAHPS, and Medicare Cost Reports. Updated April 2026.