Imaging
MRI guidance for tissue ablation cost in California
MRI guidance for tissue ablation 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 61 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $1,459 (most listed prices $309–$4,223).
Cheapest in California
- $466
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Regents of the California at Irvine Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $543
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: UC San Diego Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $568
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Loma Linda University Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $947
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Tahoe Forest Health System price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,032
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Northridge Hospital Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,473
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Arrowhead Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,924
The radiologist read is billed separately. +15 more in this system at the same published price. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Baldwin Park Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,955
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Anaheim Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $2,597
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Huntington Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $2,660
The radiologist read is billed separately. +19 more in this system at the same published price. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Antioch Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $2,814
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Stanford Health Care price file · checked Oct 2026 - $2,957
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Sutter Davis Hospital 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.