Which is costly, CT or MRI?
Asked by: Karianne Mueller | Last update: February 16, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (15 votes)
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is generally more expensive than a CT scan, primarily because of the advanced, costly equipment, longer scan times, and the complex technology involved, whereas CT scans are faster, use less expensive machinery, and are often the go-to for emergencies, leading to lower costs. While MRI costs can range from hundreds to thousands, CT scans are often several hundred to a couple thousand dollars, though prices vary significantly by location and facility.
Which is cheaper, an MRI or a CT scan?
MRIs are more expensive than CT scans. Most insurance companies, however, will cover the bulk of any necessary imaging tests and only require patients to pay a copay or small portion of the exam.
Why do doctors prefer CT scan over MRI?
Generally, CT scans are better at spatial resolution, while MRIs are better at contrast resolution. That means CT scans are good at showing us where the edges of things are — where this structure ends and that other one begins.
Which is most expensive, MRI or CT scan?
MRI scans are usually more expensive than CT scans because the machine and setup are more advanced. Also, since MRIs take longer, they need more time and care during the process. On the other hand, CT scans are quicker and more affordable but use radiation.
What does an MRI show that a CT scan does not?
An MRI excels at showing detailed differences between soft tissues like the brain, spinal cord, ligaments, and cartilage, revealing subtle issues like torn tendons, herniated discs, or early tumors that CT scans often miss, whereas CT is better for bone detail and quick checks for internal bleeding or fractures. MRI uses magnets and radio waves, while CT uses X-rays, meaning MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast without radiation but takes longer, making CT better for emergencies.
The Insane Engineering of MRI Machines
Which has more radiation, an MRI or CT scan?
A CT scan uses X-rays and exposes you to ionizing radiation, while an MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves, meaning a CT scan has radiation and an MRI does not, making MRIs a safer choice for those needing frequent scans, like pregnant women or children, though MRIs aren't suitable for everyone due to metal implants.
What conditions are best diagnosed with an MRI?
The MRI scan is used to investigate or diagnose conditions that affect soft tissue, such as:
- Tumours, including cancer.
- Soft tissue injuries such as damaged ligaments.
- Joint injury or disease.
- Spinal injury or disease.
- Injury or disease of internal organs including the brain, heart and digestive organs.
Does insurance cover CT and MRI?
Commonly Covered Imaging Tests
Most insurance companies typically cover these types of imaging tests: X-rays: Used for checking bones and lungs. MRI scans: Provide detailed pictures of tissues, joints, and organs. CT scans: Used for detailed images of bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues.
What should I avoid before an MRI?
Before an MRI, do not wear or bring any metal, including jewelry, watches, hairpins, and makeup with metallic traces; avoid certain personal care products like antiperspirants; inform staff about implants; and check if you need to fast or avoid certain foods (like greasy foods for abdominal scans) or drinks, as specific instructions vary. Remove all metallic items and be prepared to wear a gown, as the strong magnets can pull on metal, damage electronics, and affect image quality.
What conditions are best diagnosed by CT?
For instance, a CT scan can help:
- Diagnose muscle and bone conditions, such as bone tumors and breaks, also called fractures.
- Show where a tumor, infection or blood clot is.
- Guide procedures such as surgery, biopsy and radiation therapy.
What organs are best viewed by MRI?
MR imaging of the body evaluates: organs in the abdomen—including the liver, kidneys, spleen, bowel, pancreas, and adrenal glands. pelvic organs including the bladder and the reproductive organs. blood vessels (this may require a specific type of MRI called MR Angiography or MR venogram)
Why would I need an MRI after a CT scan?
An MRI is often needed after a CT scan because it provides superior detail for soft tissues, nerves, and ligaments, helping doctors clarify suspicious findings, diagnose conditions like herniated discs or early-stage cancers, and better assess inflammation or tumors that a CT scan might miss or only partially show. While CT scans are great for bone and quick imaging, MRI offers a more detailed, focused view for specific conditions, acting as a crucial next step in complex diagnoses, especially for the brain, spine, and joints.
What is the most common reason for a CT scan?
The most common reasons for a CT scan involve quickly diagnosing serious internal issues like trauma/injury (internal bleeding, fractures) in emergencies, finding tumors, infections, or blood clots, and investigating abdominal pain because CTs provide fast, detailed views of organs, bones, and blood vessels when X-rays aren't enough. They help pinpoint problems in the head, spine, chest, abdomen, and pelvis for diagnosis, treatment planning (like cancer), and guiding procedures.
What does an MRI not detect?
An MRI excels at soft tissues but struggles with bone detail, calcifications, and air, often missing early nerve inflammation, small tears (like whiplash), muscle knots (trigger points), or functional issues like nerve signals/psychological pain, requiring other tests like X-rays (for bones), nerve conduction studies (for nerves), or physical exams (for functional issues).
Why is my MRI so expensive with insurance?
MRIs are expensive with insurance due to high-tech equipment costs, specialized staffing, complex facility needs (shielded rooms), costly maintenance, and significant hospital overhead (like emergency care) that gets bundled into the price, plus insurance billing complexities and negotiated rates that often inflate costs, especially when done at hospitals versus outpatient centers.
How much does an MRI scan cost?
An MRI scan in the U.S. can cost anywhere from $400 to over $12,000 without insurance, averaging around $1,300-$2,000, with prices varying significantly by body part (brain, knee, abdomen), location (hospital vs. imaging center), and if contrast dye is used (+$100-$500). Insured costs are lower, typically $50-$500 out-of-pocket, but depend on your deductible and plan, while hospitals often charge more than independent centers due to facility fees.
Why can't I drink water before an MRI?
Proper preparation ensures that the MRI images are clear and free from distortions. Eating or drinking before certain types of MRIs can introduce variables, such as movement in the gastrointestinal tract or the presence of fluids, that may compromise the scan's accuracy.
What triggers panic attacks during MRIs?
Panic attacks during MRIs are triggered by the overwhelming combination of sensory input (loud noises, confined space) and psychological factors, primarily claustrophobia, leading to feelings of entrapment, lack of control, and potential suffocation, even for those without a formal diagnosis, often worsened by anxiety about health outcomes and the unknown. The physical sensations of the MRI (restriction, noise) can rapidly escalate into a full panic response (shortness of breath, rapid heart rate).
What can mess up an MRI?
An MRI scan is affected by internal and external metal objects, which can distort images or become dangerous projectiles, and by patient-specific factors like claustrophobia, pregnancy, and certain medical implants (pacemakers, aneurysm clips, cochlear implants), requiring removal of jewelry, electronics, and specific screening for implants and conditions like pregnancy or severe anxiety.
Why won't insurance pay for MRI?
Insurance denies MRIs primarily for lack of "medical necessity," meaning they believe less costly options (like X-rays, CT scans, or physical therapy) haven't been tried or aren't sufficient, or due to administrative issues like missing prior authorization, coding errors, or provider network limits. Insurers aim to control costs, so they scrutinize advanced imaging, requiring strong justification that the MRI is crucial and will change treatment, not just confirm symptoms.
How much does a typical MRI cost out of pocket?
An MRI out-of-pocket cost varies greatly, from potentially $200-$500 at discount imaging centers for a self-pay scan to several hundred or even thousands of dollars with insurance (depending on deductibles/copays) or paying full price at a hospital, with averages often falling around $400 to over $2,000 for uninsured patients, and complex scans costing more. Factors like location, facility (hospital vs. imaging center), scan type (with/without contrast), and insurance status heavily influence the final price, making shopping around crucial.
Does Medicare pay for MRI?
Medicare typically covers MRI scans when your doctor determines that it's medically required to reach a diagnosis. MRI scans are classified as “ diagnostic non-laboratory tests opens in new window ” under Medicare Part B.
What illness needs MRI?
This makes it particularly useful in diagnosing conditions like brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, and joint abnormalities. MRI is also non-invasive, meaning it does not involve any radiation exposure, making it safer compared to other imaging techniques like X-rays or CT scans.
Does inflammation show up on MRI?
An MRI can detect early signs of inflammation in the tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues surrounding your joints. Inflammation will appear swollen, thickened and grey compared to healthier, darker tissues.