Imaging - MRI
MRI chest, without and with contrast cost in North Carolina
MRI chest, without and 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 North Carolina
From 108 hospital and 0 clinic prices in North Carolina.
Nationwide typical: $2,565 (most listed prices $826–$6,982).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: A single code covers both series.
Cheapest in North Carolina
Total price
MRI chest, without and with contrast
The scan + the radiologist's read
How totals are compared
Every total covers the same bundle: the scan + the radiologist's read. Where a hospital does not publish a part, the typical published amount is added and the total is marked estimated.
In North Carolina, from 108 providers. Most listed prices: $1,698–$6,550.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital$757Hospital · MurphyEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Iredell Memorial Hospital$1,110Hospital · StatesvilleEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $1,341
- $514est. $757 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $866est. $1,110 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Iredell Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,098est. $1,341 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: ECU Health Bertie Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,136est. $1,379 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,229est. $1,472 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $1,306est. $1,549 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Alamance Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,306est. $1,549 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. +3 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Annie Penn Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,564
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,632
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Northern Regional Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,424est. $1,667 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Novant Health Pender Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,467est. $1,710 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,795
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
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.