Imaging - MRI
MRI thoracic spine with contrast cost in California
MRI thoracic spine 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 275 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $2,154 (most listed prices $706–$6,238).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Cheapest in California
Total price
MRI thoracic spine 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 California, from 275 providers. Most listed prices: $1,058–$7,045.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $311
- Kaweah Delta Health Care District$377Hospital · VisaliaEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Kaweah Health Mental Health Hospital$377Hospital · VisaliaEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- University of Michigan Health-Sparrow St. LawrenceMRI of mid-back (thoracic spine) with contrastRead only$83.50Source: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow St. Lawrence price fil · checked Oct 2026
- $99.30est. $311 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Willits Hospital Inc price file · checked Oct 2026 - $166est. $377 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Kaweah Delta Health Care District price file · checked Oct 2026 - $166est. $377 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Kaweah Health Mental Health Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $203est. $415 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Whittier Hospital Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $218est. $430 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Mendocino Coast price file · checked Oct 2026 - $222est. $433 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Eisenhower Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $446
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $446
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $446
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $446
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $446
The radiologist read is billed separately.
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.