10 Common Mistakes Patients Make When Getting an MRI

The most common MRI mistakes are booking without comparing prices, assuming the quote includes the radiologist, skipping prior authorization, withholding information about implants, choosing the wrong site for a complex case, and paying a bill without checking it against the estimate. Nearly all are avoidable with ten minutes of planning. This guide lists ten and shows how to prevent each, using the same steps that appear throughout this site.

Mistake 1: Booking the first place without comparing

Doctors' offices often refer to a convenient site, not necessarily the least expensive one. Price differences of several times for the same scan are common. Fix: call at least three providers, give each the same CPT code and ask for the all-in price. See self-pay MRI prices.

Mistake 2: Assuming the quote includes the radiologist

Many centers quote only the technical fee. The radiologist's reading can arrive as a separate bill of a few hundred dollars. Fix: ask, "Is this price global, and will anyone else bill me?" Add any separate fee before comparing.

Mistake 3: Comparing different scans

A quote for "a knee MRI" might be with or without contrast, one knee or two. Fix: compare by CPT code. See MRI cost by body part and contrast.

Mistake 4: Paying cash without checking insurance

Cash can be cheaper, but it may not count toward your deductible and may be more expensive than an in-network center. Fix: ask your insurer for your expected share at an in-network freestanding center before choosing cash. See what insurance and Medicare cover.

Mistake 5: Skipping prior authorization or using the wrong site

Prior authorization often names a specific facility and date range. A scan at another site, or without approval, can be denied. Fix: get the authorization number, confirm the facility and dates, and call your insurer if anything changes.

Mistake 6: Forgetting to confirm network status for the radiologist

An in-network facility can use an out-of-network reading group. Surprise-billing protections may not cover freestanding centers. Fix: ask both questions: "Is the facility in network?" and "Is the radiologist in network?"

Mistake 7: Not telling staff about implants, metal or health conditions

This is the most serious mistake. Unscreened metal can cause injury, and an undisclosed condition such as kidney disease affects contrast safety. Fix: bring device cards, list every surgery and answer the questionnaire completely. See MRI risks, side effects and red flags.

Mistake 8: Ignoring anxiety until you are in the tube

Panic mid-scan wastes the appointment and may bring a cancellation fee. Fix: tell your doctor and the center in advance, consider a wide-bore scanner, ask for coaching and arrange sedation with a driver if needed. See open vs closed vs wide-bore MRI.

Mistake 9: Moving during the scan or skipping instructions

Motion blurs images, and ignoring fasting or hydration instructions can force a reschedule. Fix: follow written instructions, use the bathroom first, get comfortable and tell the technologist if you need a pad or pillow. Ask how long each sequence will last.

Mistake 10: Paying the bill without checking it

Errors happen: duplicate charges, the wrong code, a separate radiologist bill that wasn't estimated, or a bill much higher than quoted. Fix: compare the itemized bill, the Explanation of Benefits and your written estimate. If something is off, see what to do if an MRI bill is too high.

Summary table

Other mistakes worth avoiding

• Buying a screening scan on impulse. Direct-to-consumer whole-body scans are paid entirely out of pocket and professional societies have said evidence of benefit in people without symptoms is limited. Incidental findings can lead to more costly tests. Talk to your doctor first.
• Losing the paperwork. Keep your order, estimate, authorization number and receipts.
• Not asking for images. A copy helps when you see a specialist or want a second opinion.
• Reading the report alone and panicking. Common wording often describes normal age-related change.

Worked example (illustrative)

Maria books the first center her doctor suggests, a hospital outpatient department, for a knee MRI at a quoted $2,100. She does not ask about the radiologist and receives a separate $280 bill, total $2,380. A freestanding in-network center would have quoted $520 all-in. She could have saved $1,860 with three phone calls. This is a constructed example; the point is the pattern, not the dollar values.

When to consult a professional

Your doctor can tell you whether a cheaper or different test would answer your question. A patient advocate can help with bills. The center's MRI safety staff decide on implants. This guide is general information only.

Frequently asked questions

What is the single biggest mistake?

Not disclosing implants or metal. It is the one that can cause harm, rather than just cost.

Can I switch centers after getting a prior authorization?

Often only with a new or amended authorization. Call your insurer first.

Is it okay to ask the center for a discount?

Yes. Ask for the prompt-pay or self-pay price and any promotions.

Should I get a second opinion on the report?

If findings are complex or surprising, ask your doctor; many academic centers offer second reads.

Sources

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — estimates, price transparency and dispute resolution
• American College of Radiology — imaging safety and accreditation
• RadiologyInfo.org — patient guidance
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — medical bills and debt