How Much Does an MRI Cost in Arkansas?
How much does an MRI cost in Arkansas? At Millenium MRI, a self-pay MRI is $500 per scan at our Arkansas centers in Jonesboro, Marion, North Little Rock and Springdale. Self-pay patients do not need a referral, and same-day appointments are often available.
Elsewhere, MRI prices in Arkansas can vary widely depending on the exam and where it is done. This guide explains what drives the price, what a quote should include, and what to do if cost is a worry.
Key takeaways
Self-pay MRI at Millenium MRI's Arkansas centers is $500 per scan, with no referral needed.
Insurance patients need a doctor's order. We accept most insurance plans, workers' compensation and personal injury cases.
Prices elsewhere depend on the body area, contrast, and whether the scan is done at a hospital or an independent center.
Ask whether a quote includes both the scan and the radiologist's report.
Hospital MRI prices are often much higher than prices at independent imaging centers.
MRI cost Arkansas: what self-pay prices look like
If you pay out of pocket, the place you choose matters. Hospitals often charge much more for an MRI than independent imaging centers do, and hospital prices can be hard to find before your visit. Part of the gap comes from overhead and facility fees that hospitals add to outpatient imaging.
Independent centers like Millenium MRI usually have lower overhead, which helps keep prices down. Our Arkansas self-pay price is one clear number, $500 per scan, so you know the cost before you book. For a deeper look at why prices vary so much, read why MRI costs are so high.
Why can the same MRI cost more at one place?
Two quotes may look different because they do not cover the same thing. Common reasons include:
Body area. A knee, a lower back and a brain are different exams.
Number of areas. Two body parts usually means two scans.
Contrast. Some exams elsewhere use a contrast dye given through an IV, which adds cost. Millenium MRI performs non-contrast MRI only.
Sedation or extra support. These can add services and charges.
Facility type. Hospitals often bill a separate facility fee.
Facility charge vs. professional fee
At many places, the bill has two parts. The facility charge covers doing the scan. The professional fee covers the radiologist who reads your images and writes the report. Some hospitals list these separately, so a low first number may not be the full amount you owe.
When you compare prices, always ask for the total amount due for the same exam, including the radiologist's report.
Questions to ask before you book
What is the total price for my exact exam and body part?
Does my exam use contrast, and does that change the price?
Is the radiologist's report included?
Will there be a separate facility fee?
When will my doctor get the results?
What if you can't afford an MRI?
If cost is a concern, you have options:
Ask any facility for a written self-pay estimate for your specific exam.
Compare that estimate with what you would owe through insurance, including your deductible.
If you plan to use a hospital, ask whether it offers financial assistance or self-pay discounts.
Talk with your doctor about whether an MRI is the right next step for your symptoms.
Some patients with insurance still choose self-pay, for example when they have a high deductible or their plan does not cover the scan. Learn more in our guide to cash pay MRI.
What Millenium MRI offers in Arkansas
Self-pay MRI at all four of our Arkansas centers is $500 per scan. Self-pay patients do not need a referral. Insurance patients need a doctor's order.
Payment route | Do you need a referral? | What to know |
Self-pay (cash) | No referral needed | $500 per scan in Arkansas |
Insurance | Yes, a doctor's order | Your plan decides coverage, copays and any prior authorization |
Workers' comp or personal injury | Yes, usually an order | Bring your claim details or attorney contact |
All centers are open Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, and closed on weekends.
Center | Address | Phone |
Jonesboro | 2929 South Caraway Road, Ste. 6, Jonesboro, AR 72401 | (870) 275-7749 |
Marion | 2860 I-55, Suite 8, Marion, AR 72364 | (870) 275-7749 |
North Little Rock | 800 W. 4th St., North Little Rock, AR 72114 | (501) 500-0051 |
Springdale | 307 N 48th St, Suite B2, Springdale, AR 72762 | (479) 379-8079 |
Every center offers full body MRI, NeuroQuant brain volume analysis and standard prostate MRI, plus common exams of the spine, joints and brain. Springdale also offers DTI and SWI advanced brain imaging and OnQ Prostate.
ARRT-certified technologists perform the scans, and board-certified radiologists read the images. Results usually go to your doctor within 24 hours. Most patients are in and out in about 35 minutes, depending on the exam.
Is a full body MRI worth the cost?
A full body MRI is a screening scan for people who want a broad look at their health. It is not a diagnosis. Screening can find unexpected things that turn out to be harmless but still lead to more tests. Insurance usually does not cover screening scans for people without symptoms.
If you are thinking about one, talk with your doctor about whether it makes sense for you. If you have a specific symptom, a focused exam ordered by your doctor is usually the better first step.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an MRI cost in Arkansas without insurance?
At Millenium MRI, a self-pay MRI is $500 per scan at our Jonesboro, Marion, North Little Rock and Springdale centers. Prices elsewhere vary, so ask what any quote includes.
Do I need a referral for a self-pay MRI?
Not at Millenium MRI. Self-pay patients do not need a referral. If you use insurance, you need a doctor's order.
Why are hospital MRIs more expensive?
Hospitals often have higher overhead and may add facility fees. Independent centers usually have lower costs, so their prices are often lower for the same type of scan.
Is an MRI better than a CT scan?
Neither is best for everything. MRI uses a magnet and radio waves with no radiation, while CT uses X-rays. Your doctor picks the test that fits your symptoms. See our guide to MRI vs. CT scans.
How long does an MRI take?
Most patients are in and out in about 35 minutes. Some exams, especially those covering more than one body area, take longer.
Related reading
Schedule an MRI at Millenium MRI
Book a $500 self-pay MRI at one of our Arkansas centers: Jonesboro or Marion (870) 275-7749, North Little Rock (501) 500-0051, or Springdale (479) 379-8079. We 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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