MRI Brain without Contrast cost in Norfolk, VA
Comparing 6 hospitals within 25 miles
Price range near Norfolk
Chesapeake General Hospital (3★) has the lowest price — $991 less than the most expensive option nearby.
Hospital prices near Norfolk
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Before you schedule
If you're paying cash for a brain MRI in Norfolk, your price will depend almost entirely on which hospital you choose — the lowest cash price is $941, but the highest is $4,700 for the same scan. That five-fold difference means calling ahead matters more than usual. Sentara Leigh Hospital charges $1,933 for cash patients, which is below the state average of $2,816. Before you book anywhere, ask the billing department for the exact cash price at each facility you're considering, since prices can shift and some hospitals may offer discounts if you pay upfront.
Your next step is to call the hospital's billing line and confirm whether your specific scan qualifies for financial assistance — nonprofit hospitals in Norfolk may have charity care programs if your household income falls below certain thresholds. If you have insurance, get your explanation of benefits before your appointment so you know whether you'll owe a copay, deductible, or coinsurance. Once you know what you're actually paying, you'll have a clear answer on where to schedule.
Questions to ask when you call
Before scheduling, call the hospital's billing department. These are the exact questions that get you the answers you need.
"What is your cash price for MRI Brain without Contrast?"
If you haven't met your deductible, the cash price may be lower than what your insurance negotiates. Many hospitals will honor their published cash price if you ask.
"What will my insurance plan pay for this, and what's my out-of-pocket?"
Get a written estimate. Ask them to include your deductible status and coinsurance percentage. This is called a "Good Faith Estimate" and you're legally entitled to one.
"Are there any other charges I should expect — radiologist, anesthesiologist, or facility fees?"
These prices are facility fees. Your doctor, radiologist, and anesthesiologist bill separately. Ask how much those could add.
MRI Brain without Contrast costs $941 at Chesapeake General Hospital (3-star CMS rating) and up to $1,932 at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia — a 2.1x difference for the same procedure across 6 facilities. The Virginia statewide average is $2,744.
About this market
Sentara Health operates 5 of 6 hospitals near Norfolk (83%). Prices across their facilities are identical — comparison between them won't save you money.
Sentara Health's price of $1,932 is below the Virginia average of $2,744.
Chesapeake, VA · 6 mi away · 3★
7 insurance plans. Cheapest: Aetna. Most expensive: Sentara Health Plans.
What else you should know
Children's hospitals
The following children's hospitals are listed separately because their pricing, patient mix, and quality benchmarks differ from adult facilities.
Surgery center alternatives
These ambulatory surgery centers are near Norfolk. ASCs often perform outpatient procedures at lower cost than hospitals.
View full data table
| Facility | Cash Price | Gross Charge | Stars | Patient Rating | Ownership | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake General Hospital | $941 | $1,568 | 3/5 | 67.0% | Local government | 5.7 mi |
| Sentara Princess Anne HospitalSentara Health | $1,932 | $3,865 | 4/5 | 78.0% | Nonprofit | 17.0 mi |
| Sentara Leigh HospitalSentara Health | $1,932 | $3,865 | 4/5 | 76.0% | Nonprofit | 0.0 mi |
| Sentara Obici HospitalSentara Health | $1,932 | $3,865 | 4/5 | 73.0% | Nonprofit | 0.2 mi |
| Sentara Careplex HospitalSentara Health | $1,932 | $3,865 | 4/5 | 73.0% | Nonprofit | 12.8 mi |
| Sentara Virginia Beach General HospitalSentara Health | $1,932 | $3,865 | 4/5 | 71.0% | Nonprofit | 17.0 mi |
Common questions
How much does MRI Brain without Contrast cost in Norfolk, VA?
MRI Brain without Contrast costs between $941 and $1,932 at 6 facilities near Norfolk, Virginia. The median price is $1,932. The Virginia statewide average is $2,744.
Which hospital is cheapest for MRI Brain without Contrast near Norfolk?
Chesapeake General Hospital has the lowest published cash price at $941. It has a 3-star CMS quality rating and 67.0% patient satisfaction.
Does a cheaper hospital mean lower quality?
No. In Norfolk, the lowest-priced facility (Chesapeake General Hospital) has a 3-star CMS rating, while the highest-priced facility (Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital) has a 4-star rating.
Where does this pricing data come from?
All prices are from each hospital's federally mandated machine-readable file under the CMS Hospital Price Transparency Rule (45 CFR Part 180). Quality ratings are from CMS Hospital Compare. We do not estimate prices. See full methodology →
How much can I save by choosing a different hospital?
The maximum savings for MRI Brain without Contrast near Norfolk is $992 — the difference between Chesapeake General Hospital ($941) and Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital ($1,932).
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Data compiled from 17 federal sources including CMS Hospital Price Transparency files, Hospital Compare, HCAHPS, and Medicare Cost Reports. Updated April 2026. Full methodology →