How Much Does an MRI Cost in Colorado Without Insurance? (2025)
MRI costs in Colorado vary dramatically between independent imaging centers and hospital outpatient departments. A knee MRI at an independent center in Denver can cost $300–$600, while the same scan at a UCHealth or HCA hospital can run $1,500–$8,000. Federal price transparency laws require all facilities to post their cash prices — and the differences are striking.
What does an MRI cost in Colorado?
Cash pay MRI prices at Colorado facilities:
• Knee MRI (CPT 73721): $71 – $6,510 • Lower Back (Lumbar) MRI (CPT 72148): $78 – $14,884 • Brain MRI with contrast (CPT 70553): $120 – $18,363 • Cervical Spine MRI (CPT 72141): $78 – $14,653
The lowest prices are at freestanding imaging centers. Large hospital systems like UCHealth, Sky Ridge, and Swedish Medical Center charge dramatically more for the same scan.
Denver vs. Colorado Springs MRI prices
Denver's competitive metro market means more pricing variety. HCA HealthONE hospitals (Rose, Swedish, Sky Ridge, Presbyterian/St. Luke's) tend to charge significantly more than independent imaging centers in the same area.
Colorado Springs has UCHealth Memorial and CommonSpirit (Penrose, St. Francis) options. Independent imaging centers in both cities typically charge $300–$800 — a fraction of hospital rates.
How to find the best MRI price in Colorado
1. Compare prices using Prevu Med before you book — real cash prices from Colorado hospitals and clinics.
2. Ask explicitly for the 'self-pay' or 'cash pay' rate — some facilities discount 20–40% for upfront cash payment.
3. Choose a freestanding imaging center over a hospital outpatient department. The scan quality is identical.
4. East Morgan County Hospital in Brush, CO lists some of the lowest cash MRI prices in the state — worth comparing if you're flexible on location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a knee MRI cost in Colorado without insurance?
A knee MRI (CPT 73721) in Colorado ranges from $71 at East Morgan County Hospital to over $6,500 at hospital systems like Mountain View. Independent imaging centers typically charge $300–$800 cash pay.
What is the cheapest MRI in Denver?
Independent imaging centers in the Denver metro typically offer knee MRIs for $300–$600. Hospital outpatient MRIs at HCA HealthONE and UCHealth facilities can cost $3,000–$8,000+ for the same scan.
Does Colorado have good price transparency for MRIs?
Yes — Colorado hospitals are required to post their cash prices under the federal Hospital Price Transparency Rule. Prevu Med aggregates these prices so you can compare before booking.
See actual cash pay prices from providers nationwide for Knee MRI.
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