Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about getting an affordable MRI scan with USRad
The USRad Guarantee
If your exam doesn't happen, you don't pay. One payment covers everything — no surprise bills.
MRI scans at USRad network facilities typically cost $260–$650, which is up to 80% less than hospital prices. The exact cost depends on the type of MRI and the body part being scanned. We provide transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees or surprise bills.
No, you don't need insurance! USRad specializes in providing affordable imaging to the 90 million Americans who are uninsured or underinsured. We offer transparent cash prices that are often lower than insurance copays and deductibles.
Yes — one payment covers everything. Your USRad price includes:
- The imaging facility fee (the scan itself)
- The radiologist fee (the doctor who reads your scan)
- Digital results delivered to you and your doctor
You'll never receive a surprise bill from the imaging center or radiologist. If anyone asks for additional payment related to your prepaid exam — don't pay it. Contact us immediately. See our full guarantee →
We accept:
- All major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Debit cards
- HSA (Health Savings Account) cards
- FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards
Payment is due within 24 hours of scheduling. For same-day or next-day appointments, payment is required immediately to lock in your time slot.
Our network of independent imaging centers operates with lower overhead than hospitals. We don't have emergency room costs, complex billing departments, or insurance negotiations. These savings are passed directly to you, making quality imaging affordable for everyone.
Cancel or reschedule in less than a minute through your USRad Patient Portal — available 24/7 with instant confirmation.
When you cancel through the portal:
- Your refund is triggered instantly (when eligible)
- The imaging center is notified in real-time
- You receive confirmation on screen and via email
Important: Don't call the imaging center to cancel — they can't modify USRad appointments. If you cancel with them instead of us, your refund won't process.
We keep it simple with a 24-hour cancellation policy:
Why 24 hours? When you cancel last-minute, the imaging center loses that slot — and another patient misses out on affordable care.
See full cancellation policy →If you don't show up and don't cancel, it's treated the same as a late cancellation:
- You'll receive a 75% refund (25% no-show fee applies)
- You'll need to book a new appointment if you still want the exam
Life happens. If you missed due to a medical emergency, car trouble, or something outside your control — reach out. We review special circumstances with compassion.
The fastest way: Cancel through your USRad Patient Portal — your refund starts processing immediately.
Refunds are processed within 5–10 business days. Most patients see it in under a week, depending on your bank.
Can't access the portal? Email support@usrad.com and we'll handle it within one business day.
If the imaging center can't complete your exam due to equipment issues, staffing problems, or scheduling conflicts on their end — you're fully protected.
You'll receive either:
- A full refund, or
- A rescheduled appointment at no extra cost
USRad absorbs the risk — not you.
Yes! Every USRad appointment comes with a simple promise: if your exam doesn't happen, you don't pay.
Whether the center cancels, equipment fails, or the study can't be completed for any reason outside your control — you'll receive a full refund, no questions asked.
Learn About Our GuaranteeBooking is simple:
- Enter your ZIP code on our website to find nearby centers
- Choose a convenient location and time
- Provide basic information and upload your doctor's order
- Receive instant confirmation with preparation instructions
Most appointments are available within 24-48 hours. Need to cancel or reschedule later? See our flexible cancellation policy.
Yes, all MRI scans require a physician's order. If you don't have one, our partner telehealth physicians can evaluate your symptoms and provide an order if medically appropriate. This service is available for an additional fee.
Most MRI scans take 15-45 minutes, depending on the body part being examined. Plan to be at the facility for about an hour total to allow time for check-in, changing clothes, and the scan itself.
You'll lie on a comfortable table that slides into the MRI machine. The machine makes loud knocking sounds, so we provide earplugs or headphones with music. It's important to stay still during the scan. Our technologists will communicate with you throughout and you'll have a call button if you need assistance.
Same-day appointments are not available through self-service booking due to limited availability and low confirmation rates. If you need an appointment today, please call our scheduling team.
Call 1-866-USRad-24
Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM ET
For the best selection and highest confirmation success, we recommend scheduling at least 48 hours in advance using our online booking system.
These are two very different things:
Same-Day Scheduling
A convenience service that helps you get an appointment today. It does not affect how the imaging facility or radiologist prioritizes your case.
STAT Order
A clinical designation from your physician indicating medical urgency. True STAT orders require special coordination to ensure expedited imaging and expedited radiologist interpretation.
If your physician has ordered a STAT procedure, please call us at 1-866-USRad-24 so we can coordinate the full STAT workflow with the facility.
General preparation guidelines:
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal (zippers, buttons, underwire)
- Remove all jewelry, watches, and piercings
- Leave valuables at home
- Arrive 15 minutes early for paperwork
- Continue taking medications unless instructed otherwise
For most MRI scans, you can eat and drink normally. However, some abdominal scans may require fasting for 4-6 hours. Your appointment confirmation will include specific instructions for your scan type.
Many of our centers have wide-bore MRI machines that are more spacious and comfortable. Let us know about your concerns when booking. Options include bringing a friend, using relaxation techniques, or in some cases, your doctor may prescribe a mild sedative.
Some metal implants are MRI-safe, while others are not. Please inform us about any implants, including pacemakers, cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, or joint replacements. We'll verify if your implant is MRI-compatible before your appointment.
A board-certified radiologist will review your images and send a detailed report to your doctor within 24-48 hours. Your doctor will discuss the results with you. In urgent cases, preliminary results may be available sooner.
Yes! You can request a CD of your images at the time of your appointment for a small fee, or access them through our secure online portal. Many patients find it helpful to keep copies for their records or future medical visits.
Your MRI is interpreted by a board-certified radiologist who specializes in reading medical images. Our radiologists have completed extensive training and many have subspecialty expertise in specific body areas.
We can send your images and reports to any healthcare provider with your written consent. Digital sharing through our secure portal makes it easy to get second opinions or continue care with specialists.
Absolutely. Our network centers use the same high-quality MRI machines as hospitals, including advanced 3T scanners. All facilities are accredited and staffed by certified technologists. The only difference is the price.
Yes, MRI scans are very safe. They use magnetic fields and radio waves, not radiation. There are no known harmful effects from MRI scans. The main safety concern is ensuring no metal objects enter the MRI room.
Yes, you can bring a friend or family member. They can wait in our comfortable waiting area or, after safety screening, may be able to stay in the scan room with you for support.
USRad partners with imaging centers across major metropolitan areas in Florida and is expanding nationwide. Enter your ZIP code on our homepage to find the nearest location to you.
Still have questions?
Our friendly team is here to help you get the imaging you need at a price you can afford.