Do You Need a Doctor's Order for an MRI?
Do you need a referral for an MRI? It depends on how you pay. At Millenium MRI, self-pay patients do not need a referral, while insurance patients need a doctor's order. Self-pay MRI is $300 per scan in Florida and $500 per scan in Arkansas.
This guide explains the difference between an order, a referral and prior authorization, how to book a self-pay MRI, and what to have ready before your scan.
Key takeaways
At Millenium MRI, insurance patients need a doctor's order. Self-pay patients do not need a referral.
An imaging center's booking rules and your insurance plan's coverage rules are two separate things.
A doctor's order does not mean your plan will pay. Some plans also need prior authorization.
Self-pay MRI at Millenium MRI is $300 per scan in Florida and $500 per scan in Arkansas.
Your doctor is still the best person to help decide which scan you need.
Order, referral and prior authorization: what is the difference?
People often use these words as if they mean the same thing. They do not.
Term | What it is | Who it comes from |
Doctor's order | A request for a specific imaging exam, such as a lumbar spine MRI | Your doctor or other licensed provider |
Referral | A note sending you to a specialist or service; some plans require one | Usually your primary care provider |
Prior authorization | Your insurance plan's approval before a service, based on its coverage rules | Your insurance company |
An imaging center sets its own booking rules. Your insurance plan sets its own coverage rules. Meeting one does not always mean you meet the other. That is why it helps to ask both the center and your insurer what they need.
When you need a doctor's order
If you plan to use insurance for your MRI at Millenium MRI, you need a doctor's order. The order tells the imaging team which body part to scan and which exam to perform. Millenium MRI performs non-contrast MRI only.
Prior authorization
Many insurance plans also require prior authorization for MRI. This means the plan reviews the request before your scan. Your doctor's office often handles this step, but it is smart to check.
Before your appointment, call your insurance company and ask:
Is the imaging center in my network?
Does this scan need prior authorization?
Has the authorization been approved?
What will I owe for my deductible, copay or coinsurance?
An order alone does not mean your plan will pay, and an authorization does not replace the order. You usually need both for an insured scan.
Workers' comp and personal injury
Millenium MRI accepts workers' compensation and personal injury cases. These usually involve an order and approval steps set by the employer, insurer or attorney. Follow the process they give you and bring your claim information.
How to book a self-pay MRI without a referral
If you pay for your scan yourself, you can book at Millenium MRI without a doctor's referral. Here is how it works:
Choose the Millenium MRI location that is best for you.
Know which body area or scan you want, such as knee, lower back or brain.
Tell the team you will be paying self-pay.
Ask what information they need to schedule you.
A self-pay booking is a scheduling choice. It is not a medical decision about which test is right for you. If you are not sure which scan you need, talk with your doctor first. A doctor can also help you understand your results and plan next steps.
What a self-pay MRI costs at Millenium MRI
Our self-pay price is set by state, not by body part.
Payment route | Millenium MRI price | Referral needed? |
Florida self-pay | $300 per scan | No |
Arkansas self-pay | $500 per scan | No |
Insurance | Depends on your plan | Yes, a doctor's order |
So a lower back MRI and a shoulder MRI have the same self-pay price within each state. Each body area counts as its own scan. To learn more, read our guide to cash pay MRI.
If you use insurance, what you pay depends on your plan's coverage and cost-sharing. If you have a high-deductible plan, compare your expected share with the self-pay price before you decide.
Millenium MRI locations
Millenium MRI has seven independent imaging centers:
Florida: Ocala, Largo and Tamarac
Arkansas: Jonesboro, Marion, North Little Rock and Springdale
All centers offer full body MRI, NeuroQuant brain analysis and prostate MRI. Ocala and Springdale also offer DTI/SWI and OnQ Prostate. If you need a specific exam, confirm that your preferred location offers it.
Board-certified radiologists read every scan, and ARRT-certified technologists perform it. An MRI makes images. A radiologist interprets them, and your doctor uses the report together with your symptoms and history to guide care.
What to do before your MRI
MRI uses a strong magnet. Before you go into the scanner room, tell the technologist about:
Pacemakers, implants or other devices
Metal fragments or shrapnel
Tattoos
Medication patches
Bring any implant card you have. Leave jewelry, watches and other metal items at home if you can, and wear clothing without metal parts. For more tips, see our complete guide to what to expect.
Scheduling and results
Same-day appointments are often available, so call your nearest center to check openings. Most patients are in and out in about 35 minutes, depending on the exam.
Results usually go to your doctor within 24 hours. When you book, make sure the center has the right doctor's name and contact information. If you book self-pay without a doctor, your report is sent to you. You can also use the MRI Portal.
Have more questions about booking? Visit our FAQs page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an MRI without a referral?
Yes, at Millenium MRI, if you pay self-pay. Self-pay patients do not need a referral. Insurance patients need a doctor's order.
Why does insurance need a doctor's order?
Insurance plans usually pay only for scans a provider has ordered for a medical reason. Many plans also require prior authorization. Check with your plan about its rules.
How much is a self-pay MRI?
At Millenium MRI, it is $300 per scan in Florida and $500 per scan in Arkansas. The price is the same for any body part within each state.
If I have a doctor's order, will my insurance pay?
Not always. Coverage depends on your plan's rules, network and any prior authorization. Call your insurer before your scan.
Should I talk with my doctor before a self-pay MRI?
It is a good idea. Your doctor can help you choose the right scan and explain your results.
Related reading
Schedule an MRI at Millenium MRI
Paying self-pay? You can book without a referral: $300 per scan in Florida and $500 per scan in Arkansas. Using insurance? Have your doctor's order ready when you call. Our centers are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, or you can request an appointment online.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific situation.
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