What Does a Shoulder MRI Cost the Consumer?

Robert W Westermann; Cameron Schick; Christopher M Graves; Kyle R Duchman; Stuart L Weinstein

doi:10.1007/s11999-016-5181-9

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What Does a Shoulder MRI Cost the Consumer?

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

What Does a Shoulder MRI Cost the Consumer?

Robert W Westermann, Cameron Schick, Christopher M Graves, Kyle R Duchman and Stuart L Weinstein

Clinical orthopaedics and related research, Vol.475(3), pp.580-584

03/2017

DOI: 10.1007/s11999-016-5181-9

PMCID: PMC5289202

PMID: 27896680

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Abstract

Background: More than 100 MRIs per 1000 inhabitants are performed in the United States annually, more than almost every other country. Little is known regarding the cost of obtaining an MRI and factors associated with differences in cost. Questions/purposes: By surveying all hospital-owned and independent imaging centers in Iowa, we wished to determine (1) the cost to the consumer of obtaining a noncontrast shoulder MRI, (2) the frequency and magnitude of discounts provided, and (3) factors associated with differences in cost including location (hospital-owned or independent) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services designation (rural, urban, and critical access). Methods: There were 71 hospitals and 26 independent imaging centers that offered MRI services in Iowa. Each site was contacted via telephone and posed a scripted request for the cost of the technical component of a noncontrast shoulder MRI. Radiologists' reading fees were not considered. Statistical analysis was performed using standard methods and significance was defined as a probability less than 0.05. Results: The mean technical component cost to consumers for an MRI was USD 1874 ± USD 694 (range, USD 500-USD 4000). Discounts were offered by 49% of imaging centers, with a mean savings of 21%. Factors associated with increased cost include hospital-owned imaging centers (USD 2062 ± USD 664 versus USD 1400 ± USD 441 at independent imaging centers; p < 0.001; mean difference, USD 662; 95% CI, USD 351-USD 893) and rural imaging centers, unless designated as a critical access hospital (USD 2213 ± USD 668 versus USD 1794 ± USD 680; p = 0.0202; mean difference, USD 419; 95% CI, USD 66-USD 772). Conclusions: In Iowa, the cost to the consumer of a shoulder MRI is significantly less at independent imaging centers compared with hospital-owned centers. Referring physicians and healthcare consumers should be aware that there may be substantial price discrepancies between centers that provide advanced imaging services.

Orthopaedic Practice

Cash Payment

Healthcare Consumer

Price Transparency

Clinical Research

Imaging Center

Details

Title: Subtitle: What Does a Shoulder MRI Cost the Consumer?
Creators: Robert W Westermann - 200 Hawkins Dr., 01008 JPP, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Cameron Schick - 200 Hawkins Dr., 01008 JPP, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Christopher M Graves - 200 Hawkins Dr., 01008 JPP, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Kyle R Duchman - 200 Hawkins Dr., 01008 JPP, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Stuart L Weinstein - 200 Hawkins Dr., 01008 JPP, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Clinical orthopaedics and related research, Vol.475(3), pp.580-584
Publisher: Springer US; New York
DOI: 10.1007/s11999-016-5181-9
PMID: 27896680
PMCID: PMC5289202
ISSN: 0009-921X
eISSN: 1528-1132
Language: English
Date published: 03/2017
Academic Unit: Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Orthopedics and Rehabilitation; Athletic Training Program
Record Identifier: 9984040275202771

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