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Reviewed by John Caruso, FSA, MAAA • Data last updated

MRI Brain Cost in Wisconsin (2026): Average Prices & What You'll Pay

What does a mri brain cost in Wisconsin?

For a commercially insured patient, an mri brain in Wisconsin typically runs $678–$2,280 once facility and physician fees are combined. The median reported facility price across 110 hospitals is $1,641. The figures draw on CMS fee schedules and hospital price transparency data published under federal law.

Where mri brain costs vary in Wisconsin

Pins show hospitals with price-transparency data (colored by vs. state average) and nearby ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, and other facilities (colored by type). Click any pin for facility name and estimated cost range.

Hospital (below avg) Hospital (above avg) Imaging Center Click a pin for details.

26+ people checked prices near them this month.

Hospital MRI costs run 2–5× more than independent imaging centers. Most patients never knew they had a choice.

Your personalized cost report includes:

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  • ✓ The separate radiologist bill most patients miss (and how to verify it's in-network)
  • ✓ When contrast adds a charge - and when to ask if you need it
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  • ✓ A real patient billing breakdown, line by line

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Cheapest MRI Brain Providers in Wisconsin

Based on declared cash/self-pay prices from CMS hospital price transparency files.

# Facility City Price vs Median
1 Mercyhealth Hospital & Trauma Center Janesville, WI $182 -$1,459
2 Fort Memorial Hospital Fort Atkinson, WI $184 -$1,457
3 Sacred Heart Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. WI $198 -$1,443
4 Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Milwaukee, Inc. WI $198 -$1,443
5 Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Ozaukee, Inc. WI $198 -$1,443
6 Ssm Health Monroe Hospital Monroe, WI $231 -$1,410
7 Mile Bluff Medical Center Mauston, WI $231 -$1,410
8 Ascension NE Wisconsin, Inc. WI $232 -$1,409

Prices are declared self-pay rates. Contact each facility for a formal quote before scheduling.

Quick take

  • Mercyhealth Hospital & Trauma Center is the lowest-cost option at $182 - $1,459 below the state median, just by choosing where you go.
  • Ask for the cash price if your deductible isn't met - the median cash price here is $1,641, and it's often lower than what insurance pays before your deductible is satisfied.
  • Freestanding ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) are often 30-60% cheaper than hospital outpatient departments for the same procedure and may not appear in this hospital-only dataset - ask your doctor if one is an option.

How where you go changes what you pay for mri brain

The same mri brain bundles different services depending on the setting - facility fee, surgeon fee, and anesthesia each arrive as separate bills. Estimated ranges below reflect the typical full bundled cost, including all expected charges.

Hospital Outpatient
$400–$7,042
  • Facility fee $100–$5,742
  • Professional fee $300–$1,300

Estimated from CMS fee schedules + commercial rate multipliers

Hospital Inpatient
$400–$11,116
  • Facility fee $100–$9,816
  • Professional fee $300–$1,300

Estimated from CMS fee schedules + commercial rate multipliers

Independent Imaging Center
$355–$811
  • technical_component $232–$483
  • professional_interpretation $123–$328

Estimated from CMS fee schedules + commercial rate multipliers

Advocate Aurora Health (formed in the Illinois-Wisconsin merger) and Ascension Wisconsin are the dominant systems in the Milwaukee market, while UW Health anchors the Madison market. Wisconsin's hospital market is moderately competitive in major metros but increasingly concentrated in rural areas. Prices tend to run near or slightly below the Midwest median. Brain MRI pricing follows the same site-of-service pattern as other MRI, with hospital outpatient rates running 4–8× higher than freestanding imaging centers for an identical scan. With-contrast protocols (typically ordered for lesion characterization or post-treatment surveillance) carry a higher CPT code and higher price than non-contrast studies. If ordered as a non-urgent outpatient study, scheduling at a freestanding imaging center is the single most effective way to reduce cost.

Received a bill? Check it for errors → Estimate YOUR cost before you go → Managing more than one bill? See the family tracker →

Why prices vary - and what it means for your coverage

A small number of hospitals (4) report prices above $4,470, including Lakeview Neurorehab Center Midwest at $5,742, which drives most of the overall spread - excluding them, most facilities cluster in a much tighter band. Setting matters too: the median outpatient price is $956 versus $1,729 inpatient (about 1.8× more), so where a procedure happens often matters more than which hospital you pick. Whether the scan happens in a hospital outpatient department (which adds a separate facility fee) or a freestanding imaging center is usually the single biggest driver of price for this procedure.

On top of the facility price, your actual bill depends on your deductible, your out-of-pocket maximum, and whether every provider involved - not just the facility - is in-network.

Your situation Estimated out-of-pocket
Deductible not yet met ~$1,763
Deductible met - 20% coinsurance ~$353
Out-of-network provider $3,879+

Frequently asked questions: MRI Brain costs in Wisconsin

How much does an MRI Brain cost in Wisconsin?

Across 110 Wisconsin hospitals that publish prices, an MRI Brain ranges from $100 to $11,290, with a median of $1,641. Most facilities fall between $537 and $2,110. What you pay depends on the facility, your insurance, and whether you have met your deductible.

Where is the cheapest place to get an MRI Brain in Wisconsin?

Based on declared prices, the lowest-cost facility in our Wisconsin data is Gundersen Health System in La Crosse at about $103. By metro, Madison has the lowest median ($1,148). Freestanding ambulatory surgery and imaging centers are often cheaper still and may not appear in hospital price data - ask your doctor whether one is an option.

Why is an MRI Brain so much cheaper at some Wisconsin hospitals?

Prices vary up to 112.9× because each hospital sets its own list price, cash discount, and insurer-negotiated rates. In Wisconsin, the median cash (self-pay) price is $1,641 versus a median negotiated rate of $498 - about 3.3× higher. Asking for the cash price or your insurer's negotiated rate is often the single biggest lever on what you pay.

How much will I actually pay out of pocket for an MRI Brain in Wisconsin?

Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximum, and whether the facility is in-network - not just the sticker price. If you have not met your deductible, you will typically pay the negotiated rate in full until you do. Use the CostKits cost forecaster to estimate your specific out-of-pocket amount before you go.

Before you book

Other procedures in Wisconsin

MRI Brain, elsewhere

Other Wisconsin Hospitals for MRI Brain

These hospitals are registered in the CMS National Provider Identifier (NPI) registry as active hospitals in Wisconsin. Cost estimates use the bundled service model for each place of service. Contact them directly for a formal quote.

Provider City Type Est. Cost
ALLINA HEALTH SYSTEM
7154256155 		RIVER FALLS, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
AMERY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, INC
7152688000 		AMERY, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASCENSION ALL SAINTS HOSPITAL, INC
2626875600 		RACINE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASCENSION ALL SAINTS HOSPITAL, INC
2626874011 		RACINE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASCENSION NE WISCONSIN, INC
9207382000 		APPLETON, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASCENSION SE WISCONSIN HOSPITAL, INC
4144472000 		MILWAUKEE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASCENSION ST FRANCIS HOSPITAL, INC
2623525272 		HARTLAND, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASCENSION WISCONSIN EMERUS MENOMONEE FALLS, LLC
2812922450 		MILWAUKEE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASCENSION WISCONSIN EMERUS MENOMONEE FALLS, LLC
7136371146 		MENOMONEE FALLS, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASCENSION WISCONSIN EMERUS MENOMONEE FALLS, LLC
2627323865 		WAUKESHA, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASPIRUS EAGLE RIVER HOSPITAL, INC
7154797411 		EAGLE RIVER, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASPIRUS INC
7158472121 		WAUSAU, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
▼ Show 88 more Wisconsin hospitals (of 243 registered)
ASPIRUS MEDFORD HOSPITAL & CLINICS, INC.
7157488100 		MEDFORD, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASPIRUS RHINELANDER & TOMAHAWK HOSPITALS & CLINICS, INC.
7154537700 		TOMAHAWK, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASPIRUS RIVERVIEW HOSPITAL & CLINICS, INC.
7154236060 		WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASPIRUS STANLEY HOSPITAL & CLINICS, INC.
7156445571 		STANLEY, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASPIRUS WAUSAU HOSPITAL, INC
7158472121 		WAUSAU, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASPIRUS WAUSAU HOSPITAL, INC.
7158472121 		WAUSAU, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASPIRUS WAUSAU HOSPITAL, INC.
7153441600 		STEVENS POINT, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
ASPIRUS WAUSAU HOSPITAL, INC.
7158472121 		WAUSAU, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
AURORA HEALTH CARE
4145299128 		FRANKLIN, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
AURORA HEALTH CARE METRO INC
4142195241 		MILWAUKEE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
AURORA HEALTH CARE SOUTHERN LAKES, INC.
2627412000 		ELKHORN, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
AURORA HEALTH CARE SOUTHERN LAKES, INC.
2627632411 		BURLINGTON, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
AURORA MEDICAL CENTER GRAFTON, LLC
2623764010 		GRAFTON, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
AURORA SINAI MEDICAL CENTER, INC.
4142192000 		MILWAUKEE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
AURORA ST. LUKE'S MEDICAL CENTER
4146493323 		MILWAUKEE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
BALDWIN AREA MEDICAL CENTER, INC.
7156841111 		BALDWIN, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
BAY AREA MEDICA CENTER
7157325111 		MARINETTE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
BEAVER DAM COMMUNITY HOSPITALS INC
9208877181 		BEAVER DAM, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
BEAVER DAM COMMUNITY HOSPITALS INC
9208874146 		BEAVER DAM, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
BELOIT HEALTH SYSTEM INC
6083645011 		BELOIT, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
BLACK RIVER HEALTH INC
7152845361 		BLACK RIVER FALLS, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
BURNETT MEDICAL CENTER INC
7154635353 		GRANTSBURG, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF WISCONSIN
4142662932 		MILWAUKEE, WI Children's Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF WISCONSIN, INC.
9209697900 		NEENAH, WI Children's Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF WISCONSIN, INC.
2626562261 		KENOSHA, WI Children's Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
CHILDRENS HOSPITAL OF WISCONSIN
4142663583 		WAUWATOSA, WI Children's Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
CHILDRENS HOSPITAL OF WISCONSIN INC
4142662000 		MILWAUKEE, WI Children's Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
CHIPPEWA VALLEY HOSPITAL & OAKVIEW CARE CENTER, INC.
7156724211 		DURAND, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
CHIPPEWA VALLEY HOSPITAL & OAKVIEW CARE CENTER, INC.
7156724211 		DURAND, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
CINCINNATI VAMC
6088217200 		CINCINNATI, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
CLEMENT J ZABLOCKI VA MEDICAL CENTER
4143842000 		MILWAUKEE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
CLEMENT J ZABLOCKI VA MEDICAL CENTER
4143842000 		MILWAUKEE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
CLUB STAFFING
6082178669 		OREGON, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
COLUMBIA CENTER, INC.
2622436635 		MEQUON, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
COLUMBIA ST MARY'S HOSPITAL OZAUKEE, INC.
2622437300 		MEQUON, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
COLUMBIA ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL MILWAUKEE, INC.
4142911000 		MILWAUKEE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
COMMUNITY BIRTH GROUP
8003418598 		WILLIAMS BAY, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
COMMUNITY BIRTH GROUP
8003418598 		LA FARGE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
COMMUNITY BIRTH GROUP
8003418598 		BURLINGTON, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
COMMUNITY BIRTH GROUP
8003418598 		MENOMONIE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
COMMUNITY BIRTH GROUP
8003418598 		PLATTEVILLE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
COMMUNITY BIRTH GROUP
8003418598 		THIENSVILLE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
COMMUNITY BIRTH GROUP
8003418598 		MILWAUKEE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
COMMUNITY BIRTH GROUP
8003418598 		WESTBY, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
COMMUNITY BIRTH GROUP
8003418598 		MENOMONEE FALLS, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
COMMUNITY BIRTH GROUP
8003418598 		IOLA, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
COMMUNITY BIRTH GROUP
8003418598 		MASON, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
COMMUNITY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
2622573133 		MENOMONEE FALLS, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
COUNTY OF RUSK
7155325561 		LADYSMITH, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
DEFENSE FINANCE & ACTG SERV.
4143842000 		MILWAUKEE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS CLEMENT J. ZABLOCKI MEDICAL CENTER
4143842000 		MILWAUKEE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
DICKINSON COUNTY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
7155284775 		FLORENCE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
DIVINE SAVIOR HEALTHCARE
6087456290 		PORTAGE, WI Rural Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
DIVINE SAVIOR HEALTHCARE
6084088692 		DALTON, WI Rural Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
DIVINE SAVIOR HEALTHCARE
6087456290 		PORTAGE, WI Rural Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
DOOR COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
9207435566 		STURGEON BAY, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
DOOR COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
9207435566 		STURGEON BAY, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
DOOR COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
9207435566 		STURGEON BAY, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
DOOR COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL MINISTRY HEALTH CARE
9207435566 		STURGEON BAY, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
EDGERTON HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, INC.
6088683526 		MILTON, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
FLAMBEAU HOSPITAL INC
7157622484 		PARK FALLS, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
FLAMBEAU HOSPITAL, INC.
7157622484 		PARK FALLS, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
FROEDTERT HEALTH NEIGHBORHOOD HOSPITAL, LLC
2625184910 		MEQUON, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
FROEDTERT HEALTH NEIGHBORHOOD HOSPITAL, LLC
2629566150 		PEWAUKEE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
FROEDTERT HEALTH NEIGHBORHOOD HOSPITAL, LLC
2627960001 		NEW BERLIN, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
FROEDTERT HEALTH NEIGHBORHOOD HOSPITAL, LLC
4146671010 		OAK CREEK, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
FROEDTERT MEMORIAL LUTHERAN HOSPITAL, INC.
2622515305 		MENOMONEE FALLS, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
GRANT REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER
6087232113 		LANCASTER, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
GUNDERSEN LUTHERAN MEDICAL CENTER
6087756320 		LA CROSSE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
GUNDERSEN LUTHERAN MEDICAL CENTER INC
6087827300 		LA CROSSE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
HOLY FAMILY MEMORIAL INC
9203202011 		MANITOWOC, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
HUDSON HOSPITAL, INC.
7155316000 		HUDSON, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
HUDSON HOSPITAL, INC.
7155316000 		HUDSON, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
INDIANHEAD MEDICAL CENTER SHELL LAKE, INC
7154687833 		SHELL LAKE, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
KEITH L MAUSNER MD SC
4145176233 		EAGLE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
LAKEVIEW MEDICAL CENTER INC OF RICE LAKE
7152341515 		RICE LAKE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
LAKEVIEW MEDICAL CENTER INC OF RICE LAKE
7152341515 		RICE LAKE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
LAYTON DENTAL LAB
2626917100 		PEWAUKEE, WI Radiology Provider $355–$811 bundled est.
LIFECARE HOSPITALS
2625242630 		PEWAUKEE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
LIFECARE HOSPITALS OF MILWAUKEE, INC
2625242600 		PEWAUKEE, WI Long Term Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
MADISON VAMC
6088217200 		MADISON, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
MAYO CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM-NORTHWEST WISCONSIN REGION, INC.
7158385270 		OSSEO, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
MAYO CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM-NORTHWEST WISCONSIN REGION, INC.
7152355531 		MENOMONIE, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
MAYO CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM-NORTHWEST WISCONSIN REGION, INC.
7158385270 		BLOOMER, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
MAYO CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM-SOUTHWEST WISCONSIN REGION, INC.
6087850940 		LA CROSSE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
MAYO CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM-SOUTHWEST WISCONSIN REGION, INC.
6082692132 		SPARTA, WI Critical Access Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
MCHS HOSPITALS INC
7153437700 		STEVENS POINT, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.
MCHS HOSPITALS INC
7158588100 		EAU CLAIRE, WI General Acute Care Hospital $400–$7,042 bundled est.

Est. cost = bundled estimate (facility fee + professional fee + anesthesia where applicable) based on CMS fee schedules and commercial rate multipliers. Contact each provider for an actual quote.

Source: CMS NPPES NPI Registry. NPI numbers can be verified at npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov.

What matters before you schedule

ASC vs. hospital

Hospital outpatient departments typically charge 2-4x more than ASCs or independent centers for the same mri brain - same outcome, very different bill. The ER charges the most of any setting and should only be used when the situation is medically urgent. Call ahead and ask for a self-pay or cash quote at each setting you're considering.

With vs. without contrast

Which type your doctor orders for this mri brain changes the billing code, and what you pay. For example: A standard mri brain with no contrast dye - the most common and lowest-cost version.

This is shoppable

MRI Brain is elective and schedulable, so you have time to compare facilities before booking - hospital outpatient prices often run 2-4x higher than alternative settings for the identical clinical outcome.

What to ask before you book

Get the CPT code from your doctor, confirm every provider involved (not just the facility) is in-network, ask for the cash-pay rate if you're uninsured or haven't met your deductible, and request a written estimate for mri brain before you schedule.

CostKits compiles hospital price transparency data to help families make informed decisions. Track and manage your healthcare costs (free account).

Other Procedure Costs in Wisconsin

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About the Author

John Caruso, FSA, MAAA

Healthcare actuary with 20+ years of experience in insurance pricing, medical billing systems, and healthcare cost analytics.

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Published July 17, 2026

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