MRI Cost in Illinois Without Insurance (2025)
Illinois is home to some of the country's leading hospital systems — Northwestern Medicine, Rush University, Advocate Health Care, and University of Chicago Medicine. Cash pay MRI prices in the Chicago metro vary widely, with independent imaging centers offering rates far below major hospital systems.
What does an MRI cost in Illinois?
Cash pay MRI prices in Illinois:
• Knee MRI (CPT 73721): $250 – $3,000 • Lower Back MRI (CPT 72148): $300 – $3,500 • Brain MRI with contrast (CPT 70553): $500 – $5,000
Chicago hospital systems publish detailed price files. Independent imaging centers in suburbs like Schaumburg, Naperville, Orland Park, and Oak Park typically offer the lowest cash prices.
Chicago metro MRI options
Northwestern Medicine, Rush, Advocate, and NorthShore University HealthSystem all publish cash prices for their Chicagoland facilities. Loyola University Medical Center and AMITA Health (now Ascension Illinois) also serve the metro.
For self-pay patients, independent imaging centers in Chicago suburbs consistently offer lower prices than downtown hospital systems.
Downstate Illinois
Springfield's major providers include HSHS St. John's Hospital and Memorial Medical Center. Peoria is served by OSF HealthCare and UnityPoint Health. Rockford has Mercyhealth and OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.
Downstate imaging centers generally offer lower rates than Chicago, with many independent options available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an MRI cost in Chicago without insurance?
MRI cash prices in Chicago range from $250 at independent imaging centers to $3,000+ at major hospital outpatient departments. Suburban imaging centers are typically the most affordable option.
Does Northwestern Medicine publish cash prices?
Yes — Northwestern Medicine publishes machine-readable standard charge files for their Illinois hospitals as required by federal law.
See actual cash pay prices from providers nationwide for Knee MRI.
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