Health Insurance Shopping around for an MRI

Brendan Burgess

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I have to get an MRI on my knee.

I rang Beacon Radiology and was on hold for 20 minutes, so I hung up. I emailed them and they have not replied.

I emailed Affidia and they charge "from €250 per body part".

I will probably go with that, unless there is a better option?

Brendan
 
I have just checked the Sports Injury Clinic in Santry and while they don't disclose the prices, they are probably the best.


At SSC we have a 3Tesla MRI scanner which is currently the strongest MRI available for clinical use and has the capability of producing scans of the highest quality.

And it's interpreted by radiologists specialising the area.

So that might be more important than price or convenience.


Brendan
 
I had an MRI in the SSC in September and it was €190 which was paid through my insurance.
 
I would have thought most average health insurance policies cover an MRI rather than having to pay for it.
 
Hi Brendan,

Most of the health insurance companies insist that you contact them and get clearance from them before going ahead. They will usually have an arrangement with their particular company so will probably get the best deal. It might be best for you to ring and check first.
 
Hi Eeyore

I take it that you were happy and it was efficient?

I will go to them so.

Brendan
Very happy with them. I had an appointment for 9pm on a Saturday and they called me to say that due to a cancellation l could have an earlier slot if it suited. Would definitely recommend them.
 
I had an MRI on my knee on Sunday by Affidia which was covered by my health insurer. It was painless in every sense. I got the results today, which was done in a fairly rushed way over phone call. Although my particular issue seems to have been fairly clear cut, I would perhaps have preferred more of an opportunity to discuss the results in more detail. Having said that though, I can't say that I was unhappy with the overall experience.
 
Hi Brendan,

Most of the health insurance companies insist that you contact them and get clearance from them before going ahead. They will usually have an arrangement with their particular company so will probably get the best deal. It might be best for you to ring and check first.
That was certainly the case when my wife had an MRI some years back. She had to contact the medical aid provider, and they gave her the list of approved places, and she picked the most convenient in terms of location and when they could give an appointment.
 
Affidea Northwood proactively made an appointment with me for a MRI on my lower back after referral from GP. Quick and easy and as its a pre-approved centre for Laya, I just gave my membership number and they paid directly. First time I’ve actually cost my insurance company anything in 10+ years.
 
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