How much does a Arthrogram of the shoulder cost?

Question

I have already had an MRI and now my doctor wants me to have this test done.

Answer 1

I work in a free standing imaging center, at home on my lunch break.  I cannot remember how much arthrograms run, because we don't do them often anymore.  However, I have some ideas.

Of course, you need a doctor's order to get any imaging study, including an arthrogram.  But, even if your doctor gives you an order written on General Hospital's form, you can get your procedure done at Mercy Hospital.

My best advice would be to look in your local yellow pages, and make calls for estimated costs at facilities in your area. Prices will vary depending on which state you are in....in fact, the prices can vary quite a bit between facilities in the same area. I work in a free standing imaging center, and we charge about half what the hospital (located in the same town!) charges. Look in the yellow pages under "x-ray" or "physicians - radiologist" and start calling facilities. If you call the imaging department of a hospital, make sure you get both the technical fee (for the cost of the procedure) and the professional fee (for the radiologist's reading). Most free standing imaging centers combine those costs into one fee. Other things to think about.....find out if the facility offers a cash discount for uninsured patients.  Also, find out if they can make a payment plan for you, if you cannot come up with all of the money at the time of your procedure. We ask for 25% down at time of service, and then we do a payment plan, mapping out monthly payments for the balance. Sometimes the monthly payment is fairly low.....$50 even. A little bit of research can save you some money!

If I can remember to look, I will find out our price, and update.  Then you will have a very, very ballpark idea.