It is scary to see the three-letter medical test called MRI. Most people associate it with cancer which is quite understandable. But did you know that the test is not exclusively used for such disease? In this guide, learn more about the procedure so you can better understand its benefits.
How common is MRI scanning? You will be surprised that many Filipinos are looking for an affordable MRI everyday. It seems that hospitals are not able to serve all social classes of the population due to cost concerns. The initiative of the president to donate to one public hospital in Quezon City only shows how we badly need more of such equipment.
Why Do I Need MRI?
Patients come to the doctor to report symptoms that they may have. Depending on your story and description of the problem, the test may be prescribed to make an accurate diagnosis. Usually, MRI scan is an option if you have any of these symptoms:
- Pain in any body part (internal organs, muscles and bones)
- Seizures, fainting or loss of balance
- Injuries in the muscles and bones, accidents, sports related
- Dizziness, headache and vomiting
What Can it Detect
An MRI is useful in detecting the following conditions or diseases:
- Tumor or Cancer
- Ligament and joint damage due to injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Injury in organs such as the brain, eyes, heart, lungs and digestive system
- Analyzing the structures of different body organs for proper diagnosis
Is This Your First Time?
If you are a first time MRI patient, be reminded that it can make you feel uncomfortable at first. This is true especially for claustrophobic individuals. In fact, some doctors may prescribe you to take medications to reduce your anxiety. The scan will begin once you are pushed inside a tube where the magnets are located.
It may be frightening for some but this is the only method MRI can work. Some facilities will give you an earphone or headset where instructions will be given.
Tip: If you are claustrophobic, simply lie down and close your eyes. the technician will provide a headphone where a music track may be played. Ignore the loud banging of the magnets and the procedure will be done in no time.
How To Prepare
Some patients may need to have a blood test before having the contrast. You will be injected with a dye (similar to ink) so that tissues will be more visible in the results. This is what makes it more expensive.
Previously, we asked the technician whether metal dental crowns are a hazard. Fortunately, he said that the material is safe under the scan.
What To Do During the Scan
As much as possible, do not move when you are in the machine. Any metals should be removed such as watch, jewelries, keys and coins just to name a few. The technician will guide you on how to remove them since metals will affect the results and could be dangerous. You may also change clothing for proper scan procedure.
Do I Need Prescription or Request? Yes, your doctor will give you the request or prescription (reseta) to be given to the medical staff. It will also indicate which body part will be scanned and whether it is for plain or with contrast.
How Much is MRI?
The public has an impression that MRI scan is expensive. It is quite true because it requires a special and huge machine to detect body abnormalities. But there are different ways to reduce its cost.
The MRI price in the Philippines can range from ₱6,500 to ₱12,500 or more depending on which body part requires the test. See this price list per body part to have a reference on how much you have to pay at the hospital. A plain scan is cheaper than those with contrast per doctor’s instructions.
Price List in Hospitals
For your reference, we listed the average prices of the test based on the body part that requires it. (Plain version)
- Cranial/Head – Php 8,700
- Brain – 8,600
- Cranial with Contrast- 8,900
- Heart – 7,500
- Lumbar Spine – 7,500
- Shoulders – 6,500
- Knee – 7,000
- Cervical Spine – 8,300
- Thorocolumbar – 7,000
- Nasopharynx – 6,500
- Abdominal – 8,000
- Angiogram MRI – 9,000
- Eyes, Orbits – 7,000
- Pituitary – 7,500
- Paranasal – 8,000
- Internal Auditory Canal – 7,000
- Whole Body – 15,000 to 31,000
- Wrist/Ankle – 7,000
Brain (Cranial or Head)
The head can be subjected to an MRI scan to find any injuries like fractures or cracks. In terms of the brain, the machine can detect any possible blood clots coming from stroke or trauma. Moreover, it is possible to see an image denoting tumors, inflammation and infections.
In the Philippines, the price of brain MRI starts from Php 6,300. If your doctor advised a version with contrast, the cost is Php 7,800 and above.
Orbits or Eyes
The main purpose of this scan is to identify any eye diseases, tumors or problems in the cavity of eye sockets. It is also useful to detect any fractures in the skull in the eye area. An orbits MRI scan has a price range of Php 6,000 to Php 7,500.
Shoulders
For a shoulder scan, an MRI can detect ligament and muscle injuries. If you have been injured at a gym for example, a rotator cuff tear and inflammation can show in the results. The doctor can also see fractures and arthritis in the results. Shoulder MRI in the Philippines cost around Php 5,000 to Php 6,500.
Heart
Although there are other tests for the heart, using magnetic resonance imaging can identify enlargement as well as problems with the aorta. Heart valve disorders and inflammation will also be visible in the results. The MRI for the heart has a price range of Php 6,800 to Php 7,500.
Lumbar Spine
In the case of a fall, sports injuries or bad lifting position, people who are suspected of having a slipped or herniated disc may be prescribed with MRI. A lumbar spine MRI price starts from Php 6,000 and above.
Whole Body
It might be rare to undergo whole body MRI but doctors may prescribe it to identify joint issues, body lesions and even aneurysm. The cost of whole body MRI in the Philippines usually starts from Php 15,000 and above for plain types.
Cheapest MRI Price
Scouting some of the public hospitals in Quezon City, the cheapest MRI in the Philippines that we have found is from East Avenue Medical Center with a price of Php 4,500 for the head and Php 3,500 as charity rate.
Government hospital MRI price is usually 10% cheaper than the rates of private hospitals. The downside is there is always a long waiting time for you to get an appointment.
Discounted MRI Price
As mentioned before, you can still avail the test with a lower price. For example, discounts are applied by using your senior citizen ID or PWD ID. Before paying, provide your documents at the billing section to have a lower rate.
MRI Scan Promo Price
Hospitals and clinics continously provide the best value to their patients through a promo for MRI test. Here are some promo prices that you may avail:
- Shinagawa Clinic – 30% off in MRI and other imaging scans
- De Los Santos Medical Center – 50% discount on MRI
Best Hospital for MRI
Our team has identified some of the most reliable hospitals when it comes to Magnetic Resonance Imaging. If money is not a concern, you can have the best MRI test from Asian Hospital, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, Medical City and Capitol Medical Center.
Can I Use My Health Card
There are only a few HMO cards that cover the procedure so you need to prepare for cash payments. For example, Valucare covers the procedure up to the maximum benefit limit of the member. Usually, HMOs cover MRI within the ₱5,000 to ₱10,000 range only.
Release of Results
How long is the result released? It really depends on the hospital. Some can provide it to you within 24 hours others for a few days. A fast result is possible within a few hours for confined patients with critical condition.
If you are too busy during weekdays, you may opt to have a schedule on weekends including Saturday and Sunday. However, it is a good idea to call the hospital first for appointment.
MRI is an advanced medical test. It can actually save your life if cancer is detected earlier through its image results. If your doctor has given you a request, don’t be scared and proceed with the procedure. You will be thankful that you did.
*Prices indicated here are based on estimates and averages we found in hospitals. They may change without notice.
Source: NHS UK, Mayoclinic
About the Author: The MedicalPinas team publishes articles to help Filipinos find info on various medical services and their prices.
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