How Much Does an MRI Cost in Utah Without Insurance? (2025)
MRI costs in Utah vary dramatically depending on where you go. An independent imaging center might charge $199 for a knee MRI while a major hospital system charges $2,400 for the exact same scan. Under the federal Hospital Price Transparency Rule, facilities are required to publish their cash pay prices — and the gaps are eye-opening.
What does an MRI cost in Utah?
Cash pay MRI prices at Utah facilities range from around $199 at independent imaging centers to over $2,000 at hospital outpatient departments. Common MRI types and their typical Utah cash pay ranges:
• Knee MRI (CPT 73721): $199 – $1,200 • Lower Back (Lumbar) MRI (CPT 72148): $250 – $1,800 • Brain MRI with contrast (CPT 70553): $400 – $2,400 • Neck (Cervical) MRI (CPT 72141): $250 – $1,600
The lowest prices are almost always at freestanding imaging centers rather than hospital-owned facilities.
Imaging center vs. hospital: why the price gap?
Hospital outpatient departments add a facility fee on top of the radiologist's professional fee — this can double or triple the total cost. Independent imaging centers don't charge facility fees and are actively competing for self-pay patients, which keeps prices lower.
If your deductible is above $1,500 and you haven't met it yet, paying cash at an imaging center is almost always cheaper than using insurance at a hospital.
How to get the best MRI price in Utah
1. Compare prices before you go — use Prevu Med to see exact cash prices from multiple Utah providers side by side.
2. Ask for the self-pay or cash pay rate — many facilities have a lower price for patients who pay out of pocket.
3. Choose an independent imaging center over a hospital when possible. The image quality is identical.
4. A 5-minute price comparison can save you $500 to $1,500 on the same exact scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a knee MRI cost in Utah without insurance?
A knee MRI (CPT 73721) in Utah costs between $199 and $1,200 at independent imaging centers. Hospital outpatient MRIs can cost $1,500 or more for the same scan.
Do I need a referral to get an MRI in Utah?
Most imaging centers require an order from a physician, PA, or NP. However, some facilities offer direct scheduling. Your primary care doctor can typically provide a referral same-day.
Is an MRI at an imaging center as good as at a hospital?
Yes. Imaging centers use the same MRI equipment and the scans are read by board-certified radiologists. The price difference comes from hospital overhead and facility fees, not scan quality.
Can I pay cash for an MRI if I have insurance?
Yes. You can choose to pay the cash price at any facility even if you have insurance. This often saves money if you haven't met your deductible. Note that cash pay payments may not count toward your deductible.
See actual cash pay prices from providers nationwide for Knee MRI.
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