Guide:
- Introduction
- Why Breast MRI Matters
- Breast MRI Cost Factor #1: The Cost of Breast MRI without Insurance
- Breast MRI Cost Factor #2: Breast MRI Cost Varies By Location
- Breast MRI Cost Factor #3: Average Cost of MRI With Contrast
- Continuing Care: Cost of MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy
Breaking Down the Real-World Cost of Breast MRI
Affordable, next-generation breast cancer screening is now within reach of every American — and these three factors will determine how much the procedure costs.
The cost of breast MRI is a critical consideration for many patients when it comes to taking advantage of this cutting-edge imaging procedure…
The procedure is still relatively new, and it’s highly effective at screening for breast cancer.
During a breast MRI, contrast dye is almost always injected into the patient (via IV) to sharpen the resulting images and provide the most accurate results possible.
Once this contrast is injected, patients lie face down on a specially designed table that will slide into the MRI machine for the procedure. The machine then uses a combination of magnetic fields and radio waves to create an image of your breast tissue that can be screened for potential cancerous tissue.
There’s no physical pressure or pain from the breast MRI process itself. If your doctor recommends a breast MRI, you should absolutely go through with the procedure.
Why Breast MRI Matters
Breast MRI is often recommended by doctors in addition to your annual mammogram since it’s capable of identifying cancers that an initial mammogram might miss. “Mammogram is the best tool we have to detect breast cancer, but it’s not perfect” explains Susan Weinstein MD, professor of Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania.
This is especially true for women with dense breast tissue, a condition that applies to nearly half of all women over 40. For these women, it’s possible to develop cancers that traditional mammography won’t be sensitive enough to detect.
So it’s a procedure that’s well worth the out-of-pocket cost.
But which factors will affect that cost, and how much are you likely to spend at the end of the day?
Breast MRI Cost Factor #1: The Cost of Breast MRI without Insurance
As you may already know, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most health insurance plans to cover recommended preventive services without any cost to you. This is called the “prevention provision,” and unfortunately, it does not apply to breast MRI.
That means there will be an out-of-pocket cost for the procedure, and that cost will vary based on several different factors.
First, if you are insured, then your breast MRI may be covered.
Many insurers will cover the procedure for those at high risk of breast cancer. Even if that doesn’t apply to you, the procedure may still be covered (regardless of breast tissue density). Pre-approval may be required, and you may still have to pay a deductible or co-pay.
Contact your insurance provider, and they’ll walk you through the specifics. Doing so proactively can give you the time to adjust your insurance coverage, and potentially avoid paying for breast MRI in the future.
Breast MRI Cost Factor #2: Breast MRI Cost Varies By Location
According to MDSave, the estimated national average cost for an MRI examination of both breasts is $949. This cost varies substantially based on your geographic location and the availability of MRI services in various states and regions.
Here in New Jersey, the home of Little Silver HerSpace, breast MRI costs vary from the low $600 range up to the national average at around $1,000.
Note that the prices above were observed during the writing of this article, and will inevitably fluctuate over time. If you’re interested in finding out exactly what cost of breast MRI you will pay, we recommend scheduling a personalized Breast Imaging Consult.
As you can see, it’s possible to “shop around” for the best price in your area. But it’s important to remember that price is not the only factor. Breast MRI is a sensitive and critical medical procedure. So put your health first, and always ensure that you’re working with professionals who you can trust.
Breast MRI Cost Factor #3: Average Cost of MRI With Contrast
In some cases (like those of allergic reactions) a breast MRI may be completed without the use of contrast.
There are also exceptions in some cases. UCLA Health notes that contrast is “not necessary for the imaging of breast prosthesis,” so contrast may not be used if a breast MRI is performed to assess the placement of a breast implant.
The cost of the procedure typically won’t vary based on whether contrast was used or not, but most experts agree that contrast is necessary for an accurate diagnosis of cancer via breast MRI.
Continuing Care: Cost of MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy
Depending on the results of your mammograms and breast MRI, your physician may recommend an MRI-guided breast biopsy to directly test a small sample of tissue.
Biopsies are remarkably common. More than one million are performed in America each year, thanks in large part to the ease, precision, comfort, and speed of modern needle-based biopsies (as opposed to the surgical biopsies of the past).
Needle breast biopsies are performed using local anesthesia, so patients remain conscious for the process, which can take as little as 10-15 minutes or up to an hour depending on the type of needle and imaging in use.
Most insurance plans will cover the cost of breast biopsies when recommended by a physician. The out-of-pocket cost will vary depending on a wide range of factors, but it’s important to undergo the procedure when recommended. Only about 20-25% of women who undergo breast biopsies are diagnosed with cancer, but an early diagnosis can be potentially life-saving.
For more details on Breast MRI screening and whether it’s right for you, contact our patient care team to Schedule your Breast Imaging Consultation in New Jersey today.
