How Much Does a Knee MRI Cost in 2026?
Without insurance, a knee MRI typically costs $350 to $2,500. With insurance, most people pay about $50 to $1,000 out of pocket, depending on their plan and where they go.
- A knee MRI (CPT 73721, without contrast) typically costs $350-$700 cash at an independent imaging center versus $1,200-$5,000+ at a hospital for the identical scan.
- With insurance, expect roughly $200-$1,000 out of pocket depending on your deductible; Medicare's allowed amount is about $200-$260 (patient share ~$40-$52).
- The single biggest lever is venue: choose a freestanding center and ask for the self-pay cash price to avoid the hospital facility fee.
Knee MRI Cost by Where You Go
Cash / self-pay price ranges. Where you have the procedure is usually the biggest factor.
| Where | Cash price |
|---|---|
| Independent / freestanding imaging center | $350 to $900 |
| Mobile MRI or physician office imaging | $400 to $1,200 |
| Hospital outpatient radiology department | $1,200 to $5,000 |
| Hospital-affiliated (provider-based) imaging center | $900 to $3,200 |
Lowest price: A prepaid cash price at an independent freestanding imaging center (often booked through a marketplace like MDsave), commonly $350-$700.
What Makes Up the Bill
Total billed before insurance is typically $700 to $14,000. It is usually split across:
Medicare's global allowed amount for CPT 73721 (knee MRI without contrast) is roughly $200-$260 nationally in a freestanding setting; the patient's 20% Part B coinsurance is about $40-$52 after the deductible. Hospital outpatient departments are paid more under the OPPS/APC system.
With vs. Without Insurance
Without insurance (self-pay)
$350 to $2,500
Ask for the cash or prompt-pay price up front. It is often far below the billed amount.
With insurance (out of pocket)
$50 to $1,000
Coverage is common for medically necessary knee MRIs, but prior authorization is frequently required, so verify before scheduling. Your cost depends on deductible status and coinsurance: after meeting the deductible, expect roughly $200-$1,000. In-network freestanding centers usually cost far less out of pocket than hospital outpatient radiology. If insured and in-network, your share is based on the plan's contracted rate, not the chargemaster list price.
Prices vary widely by region and even between neighboring facilities. Major metros and high-cost states (Northeast, California, Alaska) trend higher, while independent centers in competitive markets can be well under $500. The same scan in one city can differ by 5-10x, so local shopping matters more than the national average.
How to Pay Less
Choose a freestanding imaging center
Skip the hospital. An independent center runs the same scanner and board-certified radiologist read for a fraction of the price, with no hospital facility fee.
Ask for the self-pay / prompt-pay cash price by CPT code
Say you want the cash-pay price for 'CPT 73721, knee MRI without contrast.' Cash prices are often lower than the insurance-negotiated rate and paying upfront can unlock a discount.
Prepay through a marketplace
Sites like MDsave or Sidecar Health let you compare and prepay; the same scan within a 15-mile radius can range from roughly $400 to $1,800.
Confirm you need MRI without contrast (73721)
With-contrast or with-and-without studies cost more. Make sure the order matches what's clinically needed so you aren't billed for extra.
If insured, check whether cash beats your benefit
If you haven't met your deductible, the cash price at a freestanding center may be cheaper than your negotiated rate. Compare before you book. Ask if the cash payment can still count toward your deductible.
Check hospital charity care, or get the bill reduced
Uninsured or lower income? Many hospitals offer free or discounted care. Use the charity care finder to see if you qualify nearby. Already billed? CareRoute Bill Defense reviews and negotiates it down, with no fee unless we save you money.
Get your exact cost for your ZIP and insurance
Free, no signup. Enter the procedure, your ZIP code, and insurance to see what you would likely pay.
Open the cost estimatorFrequently Asked Questions
Why does the same knee MRI cost $400 at one place and $3,000 at another?
The scan is identical; the difference is the setting. Hospitals add a facility fee that independent imaging centers don't charge. Location, provider type, and whether the radiologist read is billed separately also drive the spread.
What is CPT code 73721 and does it include the radiologist reading?
73721 is an MRI of a lower-extremity joint (usually the knee) without contrast. A bundled/global price includes both the technical scan and the radiologist's interpretation. If billed 'unbundled,' you may get a separate professional (reading) charge, so ask whether the quote is all-in.
Does insurance cover a knee MRI?
Most plans cover a medically necessary knee MRI, but many require prior authorization. Your out-of-pocket typically runs about $200-$1,000 depending on your deductible and coinsurance. If you haven't met your deductible, you may owe the full negotiated rate.
Is a knee MRI cheaper if I pay cash instead of using insurance?
Often yes, especially at freestanding centers, where cash prices can undercut the insurance-negotiated rate. If you're far from meeting your deductible, cash may be the better deal, but ask whether the payment can still be applied toward your deductible.
How much does Medicare pay for a knee MRI?
Medicare's allowed amount for 73721 is roughly $200-$260 nationally in a freestanding setting, with the patient responsible for about 20% (around $40-$52) after the Part B deductible. Hospital outpatient departments are reimbursed at higher facility rates.
More Cost Guides
Sources
- Medicare.gov Procedure Price Lookup (CPT 73721)
- MDsave (MRI without contrast national cash-price range $293-$1,980)
- FAIR Health Consumer (cost lookup and insured out-of-pocket guidance)
- MDClarity / CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule data for CPT 73721 (~$200 non-facility)
- MedicalPriceCheck hospital cash-price survey (knee MRI $406-$14,681)
Prices are national estimates for 2026 and vary by location, provider, and your specific plan. Last updated July 15, 2026.