I've had six since being dx in 2005. My last one was this past October. I doubt I'll have one again unless it's an emergency because my medical insurance terminates on 12/31. I looked at the bill that was paid by insurance and it was nearly $4,000! Is there a "discounted" MRI plan out there?!

In Canada, unless it's an emergency, MRIs can take months to be scheduled for. ("Emergencies" are quick though ...)

If we just "want" one, like to look for any new pretty lights in our brain, we can get one immediately (through a private clinic) at a cost of about $500 - $800.

How in the heck do they justify charging $4,000??

Whether it is paid for or not, IMHO, having one is a HUGE expense. Can you imagine how much it costs "the system" for something that doesn't really provide any useful information?

But, if you really wanted one, Kelly . . . remember you can fly to Vancouver for about $400, pay about $600 to have one, and enjoy a great holiday with me on the $3000 you'd save.

Cherie

I have had one every six months since being diagnosed. Of course they noticed a glioma, and have been watching that as well. I have one coming up in a couple of weeks, and if all remains the same, or better, I will not schedule another for at least a year. I dont like all that GAD dye being pumped into me either, but when they find things like gliomas, and lesions and so forth, I dont give a cracker how much it costs, I want to know what is happening in my head. I guess I am one of those spoiled by having great insurance, and good MDs who are happy to get the answers we seek. The MRI itself may not be helpful in controlling the disease, but it is helpful in letting us know if our meds are working or if we have active areas lit up. I am happier for the knowing, and would have been incredibly stressed playing the guessing game.

From Diagnosis in 2004 to Nov of '07 it was every six months.

After stabilization since starting Tysabri, the neuro changed it to yearly.

If I have ANY new symptoms or anything that lasts more than 24 hours he wants to know, will see me immediately, and will schedule MRI, along with other tests if he thinks I need them.

I have had 3 since being first dx'd March of 2006. That was the one that told everyone I had MS, and wasn't just stress, or something else causing the numb/tingly hand I had for four years. I'm grateful my PCP finally ordered one!

I had one after a year on avonex, and had more and enhanced lesions, so a switch was made to Rebif. I was good on my third MRI on rebif, but I was having other trouble so was switched to Ty. My neuro hasn't said whether we'll do another this March. I see him in Jan, so I'll ask him then.

Hello there!

Here in Canada, one with MS has an MRI when absolutely necessary. I have 3 MRI's since being diangosed in 1994.

I looked at the bill from the last one I had in Jan., 2008, and it was nearly $4000 also. I no longer have the GOOD insurance I had then since going on Medicare. Under 65, cannot afford supplemental insurance to cover what the new insurance doesn't. It all just seems too much at times.

My last MRI, neck, c-spine, t-spine, and L-spine, w/and w/o contrast was billed at a grand total of $10,128 to my insurance company. I about fell over when I saw that bill. Of course, that did not include the $1728 that the radiologist billed to read the MRI.

I haven't received my portion of that ungodly amount yet.

Happy New Year everyone.

Wow, I hope you got a massage with that!?!

Cherie

I no longer have "good" insurance either. At least not after today.....my insurance coverage with BCBS ends today. I'll have to wait until September of 2010 before Medicare takes over. What's the reason for the waiting period? Anybody know? Hope I'm okay until then!