The Cost of an MRI: What You Should Know

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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
The Cost of an MRI What You Should Know
By Vikki Harmonay
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
Did you know that the U.S. performs significantly
more MRI and CT scans than any other country? In
2019 aloneCosts of an MRI there were 118 MRI
scans per 1,000 people, which is three times
higher than Finland. In fact, some countries
believe theres largely wasted MRI overuse in
the United States. Yet, even with the high
numbers of MRI scans, the average cost of an MRI
scan is 2,000. Why so high?
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology

• The cost of an MRI scan is expensive because of
  the high costs to acquire, operate and maintain
  the MRI equipment. These costs specifically
  include
• Acquisition
• Delivery and installation
• Operating costs
• Cost of spare parts
• Energy usage
• Maintenance
• Repair

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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
The cost of an MRI varies between the primary and
secondary market. MRI machines have a 28
depreciation rate. Experienced buyers know the
value of buying a used or refurbished MRI machine
from the secondary market first. However, the MRI
machine you want may not be available from the
secondary market which means you have to turn to
one of five companies that manufacture MRI
machines. Each manufacturer in the primary
market specializes in a few magnet strengths, so
you have a lot of choice once youve determined
the magnet strength you want.
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology

• As you know, the imaging power of an MRI scanner
  is measured in a magnetic field strength known as
  Tesla. Open or low field used MRI machines
  usually can cost between 160,000 to 1.6 million
  depending on options and before inflation. 3T
  MRIs costing around double. The strongest MRIs
  measure in 7 Tesla which is new and can cost
  about 6.5 million and up.
• Adding to the cost is the room that will house
  the MRI machine, known as the MRI Suite. There
  are a number of necessary safety features that
  must be built in to the MRI Suite in order to
  protect the individuals and equipment adjacent to
  the magnetic field. This also adds to the cost.

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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
Delivery Installation

• This is a four-step process that contributes to
  the cost of an MRI machine site inspection,
  de-installation, site planning and final
  installation. Federal and state regulations
  require site planning. These considerations
  include
• Magnetic fringe shields
• RF shielding
• Specified ceiling heights
• Minimal noise levels
• Cryogen storage
• Adequate venting for cryogen exhaust

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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology

• Operation Costs
• Using an MRI machine costs money. Performing
  these expensive procedures cost between 90-200.
  The cost depends on the kind of procedure thats
  performed, the facilitys location and if there
  are any reimbursements available.
• Energy Costs
• The more powerful the MRI machine, the most
  energy it uses. The electricity rates for MRI
  machines vary between 50-3,000 per month before
  inflation.

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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
Maintenance and Repair Costs
MRI scanners dont have a lot of moving parts so
rarely will you experience extensive damage.
However, as a sensitive machine it should have
monthly checkups. You want to be sure that the
system is working properly and the parts are
clean as well. As a rule, maintenance
agreements cost 2,000-10,000 per month. The
more powerful the model, the higher the cost of
maintenance. While it is expensive to maintain an
MRI machine, its better to perform regular
maintenance than to have to buy a new one.
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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
Talk To An Expert

• To summarize, MRI machines are expensive and so
  are maintenance costs. If you buy an MRI Scanner
  on the secondary market, you can experience
  significant savings. If youre in the market for
  an MRI scanner, talk to an expert at Atlantis
  Worldwide. By purchasing an MRI or CT Scanner
  thats used or refurbished, youll get the
  performance you want for significantly less,
  while still enjoying great warranties.
• Talk to Atlantis Worldwide today.

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Sensible Solutions for Refurbished Radiology
Some blogs you may have missed

1. The Future of Helium MRIs
2. MRI Cold Head Tips
3. Service Contracts for Imaging Systems Penny Wise
   and Pound Foolish?
4. Radiologists, Healthcare Social Media
5. Should your business lease or buy medical imaging
   equipment?
6. Free MRI Resources

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