How much does an MRI of the lower extremity cost in California?

MRI of the lower extremity (not joint) · CPT 73718 · State: California

In California, the typical insurer-negotiated price for an MRI of the lower extremity (not joint) is about $719, with most between $394 and $1,827 ($2,595 cash/self-pay). Based on 218 California hospitals — 18% lower than the national typical of $873. Hospital list charges run about $4,500 (6.3× higher).

Insurer-negotiated
$719
California · $394–$1,827
Cash / self-pay
$2,595
typical cash price
Hospital list charge
$4,500
6.3× the negotiated rate

Source: medians across 218 California hospitals' published price files (≥5 reporting). See the national MRI of the lower extremity (not joint) cost for the full picture. Estimates vary by hospital, insurer, and plan.

MRI of the lower extremity (not joint) cost in California — FAQs

How much does an MRI of the lower extremity (not joint) cost in California?

In California, the typical insurer-negotiated price for an MRI of the lower extremity (not joint) is about $719, with most between $394 and $1,827, based on 218 California hospitals. That's 18% lower than the national typical of $873.

How much does an MRI of the lower extremity (not joint) cost without insurance in California?

Cash or self-pay prices for an MRI of the lower extremity (not joint) in California run around $2,595. Hospitals often bill the higher "list" charge first (about $4,500), so ask for the cash or self-pay rate.

Why is my California hospital bill for an MRI of the lower extremity (not joint) so high?

California hospital "list" charges for an MRI of the lower extremity (not joint) run about $4,500 — roughly 6.3× the $719 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 lower extremity (not joint) in California?

Yes. If a California hospital charged you well above the typical negotiated rate (about $719), 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 $719 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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