MRI Costs

[Sailorsong]

So far my MRI of brain has been done at the VA hospital and my Neuro at Vanderbilt the last time questioned if it was done with an open MRI. I guess the quality of the pictures was that poor. :) Anyway in addition to my VA medical care I also carry Medicare ( required by the VA ) and I was thinking that maybe with my next MRI that I could ask about having it done at Vanderbilt ( they have a 3T one ) using my Medicare. But I am not sure if there is a co-pay for a MRI under Medicare or how much it would be. Has anyone here had a MRI done using Medicare and did it have a co-pay?

Dennis

[Sailorsong]

Thanks for posting that web site. It wasn't much help as it was too general. What I am really looking for is how much to see if I can afford the co-pay.

Kathy,

   Thanks for your response. I have just plain old Medicare so I'm not sure if my co-pay would be the same or not. I also had my Spine done on the 3T at Vanderbilt last march with no co-pay as the VA picked up the cost. But they would not approve my brain MRI on the 3T so it was done on the VA 1.5T.

  While I do have my MS DX, it is probably iffy anywhere else as my brain MRI doesn't have typical MS lesions. They are only suggestive of MS so far. So I was thinking that maybe if I had a 3T MRI done they would see them better and look more typical.

  Right now I am in a strange position with the VA as they send me to Vanderbilt for treatment of my MS. My Vanderbilt Neuro can't order tests through the VA so it is always a carrying of messages between Vanderbilt Neuro and VA Neuro to get things done ( which can and usually leads to a long delay of around 6 months )  For instance last month I saw Vanderbilt Neuro and he wants me to have a brace for my left foot ( starting to get drop foot with it too now ) and a sleep study ( due to hiccups ) but I don't get to see the VA Neuro until February.

Dennis

[Fluffysmom]

I hope the website Sumanadevii posted was helpful.

I have a MedAdvantage plan (manages my Medicare) and my co-insurance for a cervical and thoracic 3T MRI was $314.15. in March of 2011.  I was billed after the fact. That's my only experience so far; in the past all my MRIs were completely covered.  

I have a 1.5 knee MRI scheduled tomorrow and am curious how much that will cost.

Kathy

[Sumanadevii]

Here  is a website that explains it.  Sorry I just can't type too long

http://www.medicare.com/medicare-coverage-basics/medicare-premiums-and-coinsurance-for-2011.html