MRI question.

[A Good Friend]

Asking for a friend:

A neurologist recommended 3 MRIs:
Brain
Upper spine
Lower spine
All with and without contrast dye.

One imaging center wanted $1,200 each and didn't want to do all three at the same session. (Too long on the table and too much dye for the body to shed).

The other imaging center (operated by the prescribing physician) wanted $450 each and had no problem doing all three at the same time.

I have no idea if one or the other makes more sense (except that he'd rather pay $1,350 than $3,600, all else being equal).

comments?

 

[PeterNSteinmetz]

I don’t know what the underlying issue is, but that is a lot of imaging and contrast. There are some conditions that might merit this, but I also would have to wonder about the history taking and diagnostic process being used here. If paying $3600 cash, I might consider seeing another neurologist to check if they concur this is needed.