The Downside of Fast Results. In a perfect world, weight loss or, more specifically, fat loss, would be instantaneous. But that's not how the human body works. Instead, everything from your hormones to neurologic system and signals adapt to every little change in your diet and exercise routine.
MRI machines can range in cost between $1 and $3 million. Construction of MRI suites can easily add another $500,000 to the total cost. An extremity MRI machine alone costs $300,000 or more, and can only be used to scan hands, feet and knees. Purchasing a used-extremity MRI scanner can cost as much as $150,000.
Since receiving the bill, I called some local imaging clinics whose charges range from $500 to $600 for a cash-pay lumbar spine MRI with and without contrast including the films and the radiologist's report. My conclusion is there is no such thing as an 'average cost' for a lumbar spine MRI. The cost is whatever the clinic wants to charge. Unfortunately, the doctor who orders the MRI usually sends you to the MRI clinic associated with his practice and he has no idea of the cost.