Magnetic resonance imaging is a diagnostic test that is frequently prescribed for the identification of numerous pathologies: in fact, it allows us to know in detail the conditions of our internal organs, revealing any dysfunctions. Italian citizens can contact the National Health System, which covers the entire cost; however – due to the long waiting lists, it often happens that one turns to private structures where, however, the cost increases conspicuously.
If you are wondering how much MRI costs, here is an overview of the different delivery methods with the relative advantages and disadvantages in reference to costs and waiting times associated with each of them.
MRI, how much does it cost?
MRI is an examination to be performed on prescription from a specialist. The possibilities available to obtain it are the payment of the ticket with the National Health insurance , the modality, and contacting clinics and private structures. The most appropriate choice for your situation is to be made by analyzing the relationship between costs, waiting list, and emergency with which you need the medical report:
- Ticket with SSN: the cost of specialist outpatient services, to which MRI refers, has been set by the legislation at a maximum of € 36.15, to which each region adds a fixed cost on the prescription. By contacting the National Health System the maximum expected expenditure of € 76, even if there are cases in which an exemption from payment is foreseen for patients suffering from particular pathologies or below certain income thresholds.
- Intramoenia modality: this modality introduced by the Ministry of Health in recent years provides for the provision of specialist visits and examinations outside the outpatient hours of state hospitals. In short, it is a private doctor who works in a public facility. In this case, despite the expense, it is deductible from taxes like other health services, however, it provides for a higher rate that varies from a minimum of € 200 up to a maximum of € 1000 in the event that the required examination is particularly detailed and extended. The intramural modality – also known as freelance – is, therefore, from a cost point of view, the most inconvenient for the patient.
- MRI in a private facility: the costs, in this case, vary considerably, in relation to various factors, first of all, the agreement with the National Health System. In the case of an accredited private facility that operates at the same rates as public facilities, on the other hand, in the case of an internally private clinic, the cost is on average between € 100 and € 500.
MRI waiting lists
Contacting a public facility is advantageous in terms of cost, but – in most cases – the waiting lists will allow you to receive the service only months after the request. In most cases, this timing is not compatible with the need to diagnose the disease and treat it as quickly as possible. The best solution is to contact private facilities affiliated with the National Health Service, which at the cost of the ticket will be able to fix the visit in a short time and provide you with the report a few days after the visit.
The clinic, a specialist in the sector, performs magnetic resonances both privately and in agreement with the ASL of Cagliari in quick times. The latest generation machinery we have, the computerized system and highly qualified staff guarantee quality images and tailor-made service for each patient. For example, upon request, the report will be provided to you within 24 hours.
MRI is a diagnostic test that allows doctors to analyze the state of health of our body without (or before) intervening surgically and in an invasive way if necessary. It is a particularly useful and versatile tool since, in emergency cases, the report can be released almost immediately or after a few minutes from the end of the exam itself: in fact, it is precisely the timeliness and accuracy of the returned data that make it widely used.
However, except for emergency situations where the cost of the MRI is borne by the hospital in Italy, the price can be very high, especially if performed privately. So let’s find out the cost of this exam both when it is done privately and through ASL.
How magnetic resonance imaging occurs
Before moving on to the comparison between the two rates, it is advisable to understand – broadly – how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed: it is a radiological type examination that can only be performed after the patient has filled in, together with the technician of radiology and to the doctor responsible for the diagnostic performance and have got rid of any magnetic objects worn.
As already mentioned, it is a painless examination, but – in order for diagnostic imaging to return a precise and complete clinical picture – it is essential that the patient remains as still as possible during the execution.
There are no particular complications related to MRI, except for those who suffer from claustrophobia, that is, they have difficulty staying inside closed or cramped spaces (such as the machinery used during this diagnostic examination) for a long time: in this case, it is appropriate to contact a facility that has open nuclear magnetic resonance.
MRI Cost Without Insurance
In order to evaluate the cost of the MRI, it is necessary to distinguish between three different delivery methods:
- Facilities affiliated with the NHS: diagnostics through magnetic resonance is defined as an outpatient specialist service which, according to the provisions of the National Health Service (NHS), should cost around € 40 in Ticket, in addition to the additional ticket on the prescriptions calculated on the basis of the Income Amount. However, there are some categories of patients who can enjoy free MRI, such as – in addition to those who are raised for income – those suffering from rare or chronic diseases, the disabled, pregnant women, and in the case of early cancer detection. To be able to use it, you must go to the Health District you belong to and present all the necessary documentation.
- Private structures: due to the long waiting lists, patients turn to structures that are not affiliated with the national health service, paying very high figures ranging from € 100 up to € 500 (not counting the possibility in which the resonance must affect different parts of the body).
- magnetic resonance: this term defines a circumstance in which the patient goes to a private doctor who works within a public facility. In this case, the costs become even more conspicuous, reaching even € 1000 in the event that a complete examination of the body is necessary.
The preferred solution for patients is to identify a radiological center that has an agreement with the NHS and that can guarantee the execution of the visit in a few days and above all the realization of the report in a short time.
The radiological office offers a service tailored to the diagnostic needs of its patients: in fact, at our headquarters in Cagliari, there are not only two machines for open magnetic resonance but also all the cutting-edge equipment necessary for a diagnostic exam. by images. The center complies with and respects all the tax concessions provided for by law and, thanks to the complete computerization of the processes, it delivers the report to its patients in a few days.
