Shoulder MRIs follow the same pattern as knee MRIs: straightforward, shoppable, and dramatically overpriced at hospital outpatient departments. In Tampa the spread across hospitals and insurers is $400 to $4,000 for the same procedure.
Arthrogram is a different procedure entirely
A standard shoulder MRI evaluates soft tissue without dye. An MR arthrogram involves injecting contrast directly into the shoulder joint before scanning.
Arthrography requires a radiologist to perform the injection first, billed separately as CPT 23350. Your total bill for an arthrogram is significantly higher. Make sure you know which one was ordered.
Rotator cuff evaluation does not require contrast
Standard rotator cuff and labrum evaluation is done without contrast in most cases. If your order is for post-surgical evaluation or complex instability, your doctor may have clinical reasons for arthrography.
For a first-time shoulder MRI evaluating a suspected rotator cuff tear, CPT 73221 without contrast is the standard starting point.
Shop the facility, keep the doctor
Your orthopedic surgeon does not need to be at the same location as your MRI. They receive the images digitally regardless of where the scan is performed.
Find the cheapest in-network imaging center for your insurer, get the scan done there, and keep your follow-up appointment with your surgeon as planned.