2025 MRI MACHINE PRICE GUIDE

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What Features Affect the Cost of an MRI Machine?

 

1. Magnet Field Strength

The strength of an MRI system’s magnetic field is directly proportional to the level of detail in the images the system produces. Most MRI’s these days are either 1.5T or 3.0T – all other things being equal, you should expect to spend about 25% more for 3.0T system.

 

2. Bore Size

The size of the patient bore can be either 60cm or 70cm – 70cm is known as a “wide bore” system and is generally preferred for patient comfort. Expect to spend more (sometimes 50% more) for a 70cm bore system as they are generally newer and tend to come with additional features.

 

3. Coil Set

As versatile as an MRI can be, they can be made even more versatile by adding additional coils that are uniquely suited to various studies. For the most part, adding coils outside the standard set-up will come with a price tag

 

4. Specialized Options

We are seeing more and more customers asking for AI capability, whole body imaging, and options related to traumatic brain injury studies. Fine tuning the features on a pre-owned MRI depends either on locating a System on the market with the necessary licenses already pre-loaded, or adding them later. This is possible, but can be expensive.

 

5. Multi-channel capability

The more RF channels an MRI has, the better able it will be to cut through the noise and listen for the signal that creates the image. Image clarity and acquisition speed are always the goal and especially in the case of 1.5T systems, a higher number of RF channels (48ch or higher typically) will allow you to get the most out of your system.

So based on the above, and if for instance you are going to be doing very basic whole body scanning, an entry level system may be just fine – especially if you are trying to keep your initial cash outlay low. However if you are looking for some higher end or more difficult to find features, you may need to explore the upper end.

Tier 1

Systems in Tier 1 are ideal for someone who is just starting out in the MRI business, with a goal of keeping costs low. If you are doing very basic scans, and don’t expect to be doing a lot of higher end neuro or cardiac work these could be completely adequate for your needs. Tier 1 systems are also used a lot in the veterinary space and for centers with lower than average patient volume (at least initially). In this tier, you should expect to see somewhat older systems with 4-8 RF channels, standard coil sets, and possibly 60cm bore sizes.

Popular models in this cost bracket include the GE LX, Excite II, & Excite HD, Philips Achieva & Intera, and Siemens Symphony 4ch & 8ch. For facilities aiming to purchase their first MRI system or enhance their current imaging solutions economically, this range presents an ideal solution.

 

Tier 2

This is probably the “sweet spot” in the pre-owned and refurbished market. In Tier 2, you’ll see systems with an average of 16 RF channels, a wide variety of coils, typically wide bores, and very current technology. Because these are often newer units, they are also very serviceable with a wide variety of parts available and in our stock. Systems in Tier 2 should be capable of most scans needed on the market today and they tend to be very popular due to their versatility and upgradeability.

Good systems in this category include the GE Excite HDXT in both 1.5T and 3.0T, later models of Philips Achieva, as well as the Siemens Avanto, Espree, and Trio. This price range is ideally suited for healthcare facilities aiming to bolster their imaging capabilities with more sophisticated technology, without venturing into the top-tier pricing.

 

Tier 3

These are typically the newest systems on the secondary market. With these Tier 3 systems, you are nearly always going to get 70cm Bore size, fully digital coil technology (which results in faster scans and better image clarity), better access to newer software features, and RF channels running 24 and higher. Many 3.0T systems will fall in this higher tier as well. Because these systems are newer, they are often more difficult to find, so if you are interested in these higher end systems, its best to allow a little more time to access just the right one.

A couple of systems within this range include GE's Optima 450W and Discovery 750W, along with Philips' D-Stream and Ingenia, and Siemens' Aera, Skyra, & Verio. Ideal for establishments seeking advanced image quality for intricate diagnoses, this tier represents the ultimate investment in patient care through cutting-edge imaging solutions.
 

What other cost differences should be considered?

When buying an MRI machine, consider all the logistics, site planning, construction work, set up, and service that feed into the total cost of buying and owning an MRI. We advise our customers to consider both the upfront cost and future maintenance expenses. We should also mention that choosing between an open, closed, or wide-bore models. can impact the bottom line.  

 

Navigating Accreditation, Site Preparation, and Logistics

Even more things to consider when purchasing an MRI: accreditation, site setup, and the logistics involved.

Accreditation: The financial impact here hinges on your chosen accreditation organization and the extent of adjustments needed to align your facilities with their benchmarks. Given the variability of these costs, initiating early planning is advisable.

Site Setup: Tailoring your premises for an MRI machine encompasses engaging with a variety of experts, including engineers, building contractors, and electricians. The expenditure for their expertise and required materials is unique to each scenario.

Logistics: This component's expenses differ based on your premises' specifics and location. Removing an existing MRI could set you back around $10,000 and take a few days.

For moving the machine out, budget approximately $10,000 to $12,000 for standard situations, though complex removals may lead to higher costs.

Transport fees for shipping within the country typically fall between $5,000 and $10,000. Setting up a new MRI system, which involves intricate technical tasks, is likely to cost between $50,000 and $80,000 for a standard 1.5T MRI setup, with helium and other critical supplies adding to the budget.

 

Service

Here are the current averages for annual service cost for MRI systems in fixed locations:

Manufacturer	Avg. Cost/Year with Block
GE	$66,000 - $134,000
Hitachi	$42,000 - $60,000
Philips	$80,000 - $110,000
Siemens	$69,000 - $113,000

 

Exact service numbers for each system need to be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Key features within MRI Service include helium (cryogen), preventative maintenance visits, coils, chiller, parts, labor, travel, and overtime coverages.

It's also important to consider that the length of terms (1, 3, or 5-year agreement) plays a significant part in the cost of a service agreement. 1-year terms are more expensive than 5-year terms.

The longer the terms of an agreement the more we can spread our risk.

 

Cost Differences Between Open, Closed, and Wide-Bore MRI machines

Open MRIs are more comfortable and affordable, closed MRIs offer superior image quality, and wide-bore models balance both but at a higher cost, so factor in all related expenses for a well-rounded decision. 

New wide-bore MR machines can cost upwards of $1 million, refurbished units of a similar type might be available in the range of $200,000 to $700,000 depending on their condition and specifications. Pre-owned wide-bore MRI machines typically sell for $500,000 to $700,000.

Closed MRI systems can be found pre-owned at lower price points, with models ranging roughly from $400,000 to $600,000 depending on the specific system.

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