Knee MRI Cost in Bismarck, ND (2026): Average Prices & What You'll Pay

What does a knee mri cost in Bismarck, ND?

You could pay $509 or $1,073 for the same knee mri in Bismarck, ND - depending entirely on which facility you choose. The median cash price across 3 reporting hospitals is $705. This data comes directly from hospital price transparency files published under federal law.

Where knee mri costs vary in Bismarck, ND

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.

26+ people checked prices near them this month.

Sanford Health and CHI St. Alexius divide most of North Dakota's hospital market, with Bismarck and Fargo each effectively dominated by one system. The state's oil-economy wage growth has increased hospital labor costs, pushing prices above what the rural market structure would otherwise suggest. Critical access hospitals cover most of the rural tier. Knee MRI is one of the most commonly ordered orthopedic imaging studies and one of the clearest examples of site-of-service pricing: the identical scan costs $200–$500 at an independent imaging center and $1,500–$3,500 at a hospital outpatient department. Most knee MRIs are ordered non-urgently after an orthopedic consultation, giving patients time to compare prices across freestanding centers before scheduling. Contrast is rarely needed for routine knee MRI.

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Why prices vary - and what it means for your coverage

Setting matters too: the median outpatient price is $920 versus $705 inpatient, 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.

None of the prices above are what you'll necessarily owe: your deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and each provider's network status all still apply.

Frequently asked questions: knee mri costs in Bismarck, ND

How much does a knee mri cost in Bismarck, ND?

Across 3 Bismarck, ND hospitals that publish prices, a knee mri ranges from $216 to $1,625, with a median of $705. Most facilities fall between $460 and $1,073. What you pay depends on the facility, your insurance, and whether you have met your deductible.

Where is the cheapest place to get a knee mri in Bismarck, ND?

Based on declared prices, the lowest-cost facility in our Bismarck, ND data is Sanford Medical Center Bismarck in Bismarck at about $216. By metro, Bismarck has the lowest median ($920). 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 a knee mri so much cheaper at some Bismarck, ND hospitals?

Prices vary up to 7.5× because each hospital sets its own list price, cash discount, and insurer-negotiated rates. In Bismarck, ND, the median cash (self-pay) price is $705 versus a median negotiated rate of $190 - about 3.7× 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 a knee mri in Bismarck, ND?

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.

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