Imaging
MRI brain during open brain surgery, with contrast cost in California
MRI brain during open brain surgery, with contrast is an imaging test. Cash prices for imaging vary widely: hospitals often charge several times what an independent imaging center charges for the same scan.
Typical cash price
In California
From 52 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $953 (most listed prices $211–$5,824).
Cheapest in California
- $43.46
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Torrance Memorial Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $226
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Valley Presbyterian Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Loma Linda University Children's HospitalMRI brain during open brain surgery, with contrastScan only$480
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Loma Linda University Children's Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San FranciscoMRI brain during open brain surgery, with contrastScan only$723
The radiologist read is billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Benioff Children's Hosp price fil · checked Oct 2026 - Priscilla Chan & Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital & Trauma CenterMRI brain during open brain surgery, with contrastScan only$840
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Priscilla Chan & Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco Gen price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $872
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Loma Linda University Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $881
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: St Jude Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $965
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Providence St Joseph Hospital Orange price file · checked Oct 2026 - Loma Linda University Medical Center MurrietaMRI brain during open brain surgery, with contrastScan only$1,832
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Loma Linda University Medical Center Murrieta price file · checked Oct 2026 - Community Hospital of the Monterey PeninsulaMRI brain during open brain surgery, with contrastScan only$1,882
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula price file · checked Oct 2026 - $2,013
The radiologist read is billed separately. +2 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $2,013
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for MRI brain during open brain surgery, with contrast
Common questions
Is the radiologist's read included?
Not always. Hospitals usually list the scan (technical fee) and the radiologist's read (professional fee) separately. Many imaging centers quote one all-in price. Look for the "All-in", "Scan only" or "Read only" label on each price.
Do I need a referral?
Most imaging tests need an order from a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Some imaging centers can arrange one; ask when you call.
Why are prices so different?
Each hospital and clinic sets its own cash price. Hospitals publish prices because federal rules require it; clinics and booking sites set prices to compete. The same service can cost several times more at one place than at another nearby.
Can I pay cash if I have insurance?
Yes. You can choose to self-pay. A cash price is often lower than what you would pay before meeting your deductible. Cash payments may not count toward your deductible, so check with your plan. Our cash vs. insurance tool can help you decide.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you are uninsured or paying cash, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate of the cost on request. If your final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it.