How Much Does a Shoulder MRI Cost in 2026?
Without insurance, a shoulder MRI typically costs $400 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 shoulder MRI (CPT 73221, without contrast) typically costs $400-$750 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. Confirm it is a plain MRI, not a pricier MR arthrogram.
Shoulder MRI Cost by Where You Go
Cash / self-pay price ranges. Where you have the scan is usually the biggest factor.
| Where | Cash price |
|---|---|
| Independent / freestanding imaging center | $400 to $900 |
| Mobile MRI or physician office imaging | $450 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 $400-$750.
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What Makes Up the Bill
Total billed before insurance is typically $750 to $14,000. It is usually split across:
Medicare's global allowed amount for CPT 73221 (upper-extremity joint 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)
$400 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 shoulder 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 $600. 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 73221, shoulder 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 $450 to $1,800.
Confirm plain MRI vs. MR arthrogram
A standard shoulder MRI (73221) is much cheaper than an MR arthrogram (contrast injected into the joint). Make sure the order matches what is clinically needed so you are not billed for the pricier study.
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.
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Open the cost estimatorFrequently Asked Questions
Why does the same shoulder MRI cost $450 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 73221 and does it include the radiologist reading?
73221 is an MRI of an upper-extremity joint (usually the shoulder) 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 shoulder MRI?
Most plans cover a medically necessary shoulder 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.
Do I need a shoulder MRI with or without contrast?
Most shoulder MRIs are done without contrast (73221). An MR arthrogram, where contrast is injected into the joint to look for a labral tear, is a different, pricier study (73222/73223 plus the injection). Confirm exactly what your doctor ordered so you are not billed for a more expensive scan than needed.
How much does Medicare pay for a shoulder MRI?
Medicare's allowed amount for 73221 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 73221)
- MDsave national cash-price data for shoulder MRI without contrast
- FAIR Health Consumer (cost lookup and insured out-of-pocket guidance)
- CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule data for CPT 73221
- MedicalPriceCheck / NewChoiceHealth hospital cash-price surveys for joint MRI
Prices are national estimates for 2026 and vary by location, provider, and your specific plan. Last updated September 2, 2026.