Where in PA can I go and get a MRI done with cash/ w/o insurance?

Submitted by PhillyJo3 t3_znvatm in Pennsylvania

Hi all, just wanted to see if anyone has any recommendations for where I can get a MRI done with reasonable cost asap? I've been having daily headaches for two straight weeks now, and the left side of my face is slightly swollen, with bumps and grooves above my ear/on the left side of my head.

Went to my PCP three times the last two weeks, but doc doesn't think there's anything concerning and refuses to refer me for a MRI. I do have a second doctor's appointment w/ another PCP for a second opinion (and hoping to get referred here) and that's not until June, but I'm trying to get one done as soon as possible.

I've been trying to find independent diagnostic testing facilities (IDTFs) but could definitely use some advice if anyone else went the cash/self-pay/non-insurance route for a MRI.

13

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

No-Use4726 t1_j0la6np wrote

Before having the MRI (any way you slice it, it’s an expensive test) you may try asking your PCP for a referral to a neurologist. Explain that your symptoms haven’t subsided at all in two weeks and that it is affecting your daily living and ability to concentrate and work. Hopefully that will kickstart your PCP into a STAT referral to neurology. A neurologist should be able to better assess the issues you are having.

26

susinpgh t1_j0l1fks wrote

Can you go to an urgent care location? Unbelievable that you have to wait until June for a second opinion.

20

TheWorldInMySilence t1_j0l21f4 wrote

I'm sorry you're getting the run around. I suggest since you've been denied an mri/further look-see by your primary.... you could try the er. They've gotten me through some tests after doctor pushed me off.

Hope you get the correct help soon.

8

DocCarlson t1_j0l91zy wrote

The ER won’t do an MRI. An MRI is considered inpatient testing to the ER and they will only do it if they admit you to an overnight stay

−5

ChemicalPop5255 t1_j0lbuz8 wrote

This is not true. I work at a large hospital in Philadelphia as a CT Tech. While MRI is almost never the first diagnostic test to be ordered they are still ordered frequently from the ER.

14

Correct-Med5992 t1_j0m7kwe wrote

Agree this is not true as chemicalpop said. You can get a CT quicker (which can also rule out/diagnose certain head injuries and conditions). If you need a CT and PCP is not helping, you can either find an urgent care near you- call ahead and ask if they do MR OR CT scans on site and if they do either ask how much it is. Worst case scenario, go to Abington hospital on York road in willow grove. You will wait about 7+ hours but they will do a CT and review. If nothing is wrong you’ll go home, if you need to be admitted, they may do additional testing at that time. Lowest cost option is definitely an urgent care.

3

DocCarlson t1_j0ldjiu wrote

I work in the ER and my hospital system in Allentown will not order MRI for patients until admitted which include stroke patients. They will scan OP then tell him to follow up with Neurology in order to get the MRI

2

screaminglady t1_j0la8vr wrote

I think that's just the hospital you went to. I have most certainly had mri's in the e.r non admitted.

6

ButtBlock t1_j0le5jq wrote

Yeah like if you’re ruling out acute myelopathy or stroke or something. But subacute headaches? That’s prob going to be very difficult to justify to insurance companies. And as much as I hate them, they’d kind of be right not to cover this in an inpatient setting. Those machines are usually at capacity dealing with actual emergent/urgent stuff.

6

IamSauerKraut t1_j0lsywo wrote

I've had a couple of run-ins with cars while out on the bike which required head MRI's as part of the ER visit, but I was never an inpatient. Also had PCP order a test; again, without being an inpatient.

2

DocCarlson t1_j0m7h0m wrote

Pcp can order the mri but my er won’t do it. We will CT scan which we do for most all accidents n head injuries but not an mri

1

browneyedgirlpie t1_j0lv7o6 wrote

I've had an MRI without being admitted in the ER. This was for a very bad migraine. This has happened twice with me. Once at Lancaster General and once at Hershey.

0

DocCarlson t1_j0m73q0 wrote

Mri not Ct scan? We cat scan everyone with headache but my er won’t mri anyone in ER

1

browneyedgirlpie t1_j0m99hi wrote

MRI. I was in the middle of a migraine each time. It was very painful bc of how loud it was and my noise tolerance during my migraine. I have also had cat scans done, once at an ER visit, and once during a neurological work up for my migraines. I've been suffering from migraines for over 40 years. I've been to the ER quite a few times for more intense migraines or ones where I can't get them to stop.

1

No-Use4726 t1_j0lb75j wrote

There’s a problem outside of the insurance issue. Diagnostic testing requires an order/script from a health care practitioner like the pt’s PCP or specialist. A pt can’t walk into a diagnostic testing facility and say, “I need an MRI of my back.” The folks performing the test cannot legally perform it without that order/script, much in the same way a pharmacist cannot dispense prescription medication without a prescription. That’s outside of dealing with insurance not covering the testing without an order/script. The tech can’t legally perform it without one either.

6

CecilWeasle t1_j0lset6 wrote

I work in both MRI and CT at two different hospitals. You're going to need a script for starters. No script, no scan. Every once in a while they will order a stat MRI from the ER. But that's really a case by case basis and happens rarely. Be warned, some patients even with insurance have a 350$ copay for an MRI. If you go to the ER you're probably only going to get a brain CT

6

laughingmeeses t1_j0l3qhk wrote

Search for testing centers that specialize in iimagery.

You'll need a script/order but they should be accepting of cash/debit/bank orders.

Edit: this place in PA used to accept cash. Also, it's PA, everyone will accept cash due to the Amish and Mennonite communities. Holy Spirit Imaging Center +1 717-972-4900 https://maps.app.goo.gl/tkAb8JQ4KTfFZtRY6

4

justuravgjoe762 t1_j0l8njj wrote

Not sure what part of the state you're in but this group gets people in fast and has no insurance options.

https://611mri.com/

Literally had a 3-4 month wait for the hospital , these folks did it the next evening.

3

IamSauerKraut t1_j0las02 wrote

Since this is the PA forum, safe to say OP is looking in pennsyltucky.

1

IamSauerKraut t1_j0lax70 wrote

Tristan Associates on Union Deposit Rd just outside Harrisburg is worth calling. But based on your user name, you are looking in the Philly area. Anything up in University City that focuses in diagnostic radiology? Going to be somewhere north of $2500.

2

axeville t1_j0lo9qv wrote

Affordablescan.com

There are lots of places online that aggregate and compare pricing to optimize revenue for the center and take a small cut. Shop around.

2

[deleted] t1_j0m44w7 wrote

Forget your PCP, go to a neurologist.

2

screaminglady t1_j0lagik wrote

Are you trying to get them to bill you for the mri? They definitely won't do that. You have to talk to financial services at a imaging center and you have to pay them on the spot before the mri.

1

spatuladracula t1_j0lk2aw wrote

What part of the state are you in? I think geisinger and guthrie take cash because of the amish population. Worth a shot to call around and find out about it if you're in range of either of those systems.

1

DocCarlson t1_j0l8uzb wrote

You can go to an ER and hope they admit you for an mri. If you aren’t admitted overnight they won’t do it.

0

momlin t1_j0mr96z wrote

Emergency room or urgent care, I wouldn't wait around with a headache or wait until June that's ridiculous.

0