Costs of a MRT examination | Procedure of an MRI ́s

Costs of a MRT examination

The costs for a medical service can be found in the medical fee schedule. In simple terms, it regulates how medical services that go beyond the services of a panel doctor are reimbursed. These are amounts that self-payers or privately insured persons pay for services.

Those with statutory health insurance also pay these amounts as part of individual health services or in the reimbursement procedure. The costs for an MRI examination usually vary between 400 and 700 euros. The amounts vary depending on the complexity and indication of the examination.

The cost of an MRI examination of the abdomen and/or pelvis is approximately 460 Euros. An MRI examination of the head is also in the same price category. Optionally, the neck is also included.

The imaging takes place in two projections. At least one of these is in the so-called T2-weighting. An MRI of the breast amounts to approximately 420 Euros.

In the same area, there are also MRI images of the extremities, showing at least two large joints of the extremity.The representation of sections of the extremities or individual joints costs about 250 euros. An image of the thorax and the organs it contains or of the aorta in its entire length costs about 450 Euro. Additional costs may arise from the use of contrast medium or additional services.

This can increase the price by about 100 Euro. A change of position and/or the insertion of a new coil results in an additional charge of about 60 Euro. The use of computer-controlled analyses such as 3D reconstruction increases the costs by about 50 Euro. All costs are titled with a cost number and listed in the total invoice so that the total price of an analysis can then be easily understood.

Summary

Prior to an MRI examination, the patient is asked to remove any metallic or magnetic objects he/she may be carrying. These include glasses, removable dentures, piercings, jewelry, money or any other objects. Furthermore, it is also pointed out that digital data carriers or credit cards should also be taken off, as they will be damaged by the magnet of the MRI.

At the beginning of the examination, the patient is placed on a couch, so that it is as comfortable as possible for him/her and the examination of the area to be imaged is optimally possible. Positioning cushions can also be used for this purpose. It is very important that the patient remains relaxed and still in this position during the examination to ensure that the images are taken successfully.

Then the patient is moved into the opening (“tube”) of the MRI housing where the images are taken. Sometimes it is not necessary to move the patient completely into this opening. In the case of images of the lower extremity, for example, the upper body lies outside the tube.

During the examination, sometimes very loud, booming or knocking noises can be heard, which are caused by the MRI. In contrast, patients are provided with hearing protection that they can put on. The opening of the housing is open at both ends and fresh air is constantly flowing in.

Patients with claustrophobia or anxiety can be given a fast-acting sedative. For infants or toddlers, an MRI examination is usually performed under anesthesia. During the entire examination period, the patient can call attention to himself by ringing a bell if he feels unwell or wants to abort the examination.

The examiner also observes the examinee during the entire duration of the examination. Some MRI examinations are performed with the help of contrast medium. In these cases, images are taken before and after the application of the contrast medium (see: MRI with contrast medium).

The contrast medium is injected into an arm vein. The contrast medium feels somewhat cool. The injection is similar to taking a blood sample.