How much does an MRI of the knee cost in California?
MRI of the knee/lower extremity joint · CPT 73721 · State: California
In California, the typical insurer-negotiated price for an MRI of the knee/lower extremity joint is about $784, with most between $382 and $2,152 ($3,210 cash/self-pay). Based on 220 California hospitals — 8% lower than the national typical of $854. Hospital list charges run about $5,198 (6.6× higher).
Source: medians across 220 California hospitals' published price files (≥5 reporting). See the national MRI of the knee/lower extremity joint cost for the full picture. Estimates vary by hospital, insurer, and plan.
MRI of the knee/lower extremity joint cost in California — FAQs
How much does an MRI of the knee/lower extremity joint cost in California?
In California, the typical insurer-negotiated price for an MRI of the knee/lower extremity joint is about $784, with most between $382 and $2,152, based on 220 California hospitals. That's 8% lower than the national typical of $854.
How much does an MRI of the knee/lower extremity joint cost without insurance in California?
Cash or self-pay prices for an MRI of the knee/lower extremity joint in California run around $3,210. Hospitals often bill the higher "list" charge first (about $5,198), so ask for the cash or self-pay rate.
Why is my California hospital bill for an MRI of the knee/lower extremity joint so high?
California hospital "list" charges for an MRI of the knee/lower extremity joint run about $5,198 — roughly 6.6× the $784 insurers actually pay there. The list price is rarely what anyone pays; the negotiated and cash rates are the realistic benchmark.
Can I negotiate the cost of an MRI of the knee/lower extremity joint in California?
Yes. If a California hospital charged you well above the typical negotiated rate (about $784), that gap is negotiable. Upfronte audits your bill against real California hospital pricing data and negotiates it down on your behalf — no savings, no fee.
Charged more than $784 in California?
Upload your bill and Upfronte will check it against real California hospital prices and negotiate overcharges. No savings, no fee.
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