Cost
Value for Money: Compare the Cost of Full-body MRI
Whole-body MRIs have become a powerful tool for preventive healthcare and early disease detection, but the cost of these scans can vary significantly. To truly understand these differences, it’s important to dive deeper into how costs are calculated, including metrics like price per voxel and price per unit of scanner time. These detailed cost factors often reveal that, in medical imaging, you get what you pay for—and that a higher initial price tag can often mean better long-term value.
Price Per Voxel
A voxel is the three-dimensional equivalent of a pixel, representing the smallest unit of volume in an MRI image. The resolution of an MRI scan—and thus its diagnostic utility—depends, in part, on how many voxels are captured during the imaging process. Generally, high-resolution scans produce more voxels.
Advanced MRI systems, such as 3T (3 Tesla) scanners, can capture a higher density of voxels compared to older 1.5T models. However, generating more voxels requires more time and computational power, which directly impacts the cost. Facilities with cutting-edge technology may charge a higher price per voxel, but this often translates to superior diagnostic capabilities and reduced chances of missed diagnoses.
By contrast, facilities that offer lower-cost MRIs might sacrifice voxel density or resolution. These scans might still be sufficient for general imaging but could miss subtle abnormalities that higher-resolution scans would detect.
However, it is important to note that a high voxel count does not necessarily guarantee superior images. Voxels can be quantified despite noise, or distortion. It is important to factor other metrics of quality and value along side price per voxel.
Price Per Unit of Scanner Time
Scanner time is another critical component of MRI costs. High-quality full-body MRI scans take time, particularly when they aim to achieve high resolution and comprehensive coverage. When comparing scanners at the same magnetic strength, the longer the scan, the more expensive it becomes. For any imaging facility, scan time is a limited commodity.
Modern scanners equipped with advanced software and hardware, such as 3T platforms are able to achieve high-resolution images in less time. While these systems may charge a premium per unit of time, they deliver better value because the scans are both more efficient and detailed. Conversely, older scanners such as 1.5T, may take longer to produce images, leading to a lower upfront cost but potentially less confidence and a greater likelihood of follow-up scans.
Cost vs. Technology: Breaking Down “You Get What You Pay For”
When analysing whole-body MRI costs, it’s essential to understand the interplay between technology and pricing. Here are key considerations:
Magnetic Field Strength (Tesla Rating): Scanners with a higher Tesla rating (e.g., 3T) produce more detailed images but are more expensive to operate. The additional cost often reflects the increased diagnostic confidence these images provide.
Advanced Imaging Protocols: Newer systems use artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced imaging algorithms to enhance voxel density and image quality. While these add to the cost, they often reduce the likelihood of needing follow-up scans, saving money and time in the long term.
Operational Efficiency: Facilities with newer scanners and well-trained staff can complete scans faster without compromising quality. Though these facilities may charge a higher rate per scan, the increased efficiency and accuracy justify the expense—and may even result in lower overall costs by eliminating the need for repeat imaging.
Patient experience: Technology that enhances patient experience, such as in-bore audio-visuals to stream movies should also be considered in the cost analysis.
Cost Per Anatomical Coverage
Another useful metric for analysing the true cost of a whole-body MRI is the price per meter of coverage. This is ultimately another surrogate marker for scan time, as longer scans are required for true full-body coverage. In this analysis, providers such as Adelaide MRI and Panorama Radiology Specialists do not perform full-body MRIs in a technical sense, and therefore were omitted from this comparison.
Some providers attempt to limit the scan time by omitting the lower limbs (eyes-to-thighs). This has a knock on effect of reducing upfront cost of a full-body MRI, making these lower cost scans appealing to those who seek cheaper options. However, we must caution the reader that omitting body regions, means incomplete full-body health data.
Cost Analysis by Scan Time
| Location | Tesla Field | Cost (AUD) | Scan Time (minutes) | Cost Normalized to Time (AUD/min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aspect Radiology | 3T | 2950 | 45 | 65.56 |
| Brisbane Radiology | 3T | 2200 | 45 - 60 | 36.67 - 48.89 |
| CRT Imaging | 3T | 1500 | 45 | 33.33 |
| Ezra | 3T | 3752 | 60 | 62.53 |
| Mermaid Beach Radiology | 3T | 3150 | 100 | 31.50 |
| Prenuvo | 1.5T | 4000 | 60 | 66.67 |
In the cost per unit of scan time, Mermaid Beach Radiology comes out on top with only $31.50 AUD per minute.
Both Ezra and Prenuvo are quite high; however, this may be indicative of a differing healthcare market uninfluenced by government programs (e.g. Medicare) and thus willingness to pay higher price. It will be interesting to see what the price is set for Prenuvo scans in Australia starting March 2025.
It is very important to note that while scan time is relative to image quality, advertised scan time may not true scan time. For inexperienced full-body providers, the need to repeat imaging may increase total scan time without benefit to the patient or image quality.
Cost Analysis by Voxel Count
| Location | Tesla Field | Cost (AUD) | Voxel Count (billions)* | Cost per Billion Voxels (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mermaid Beach Radiology | 3T | 3150 | 3.8 | 828.95 |
| Prenuvo | 1.5T | 4000 | 1.5 | 2666.67 |
| Aspect Radiology | 3T | 2950 | N/A | N/A |
| Brisbane Radiology | 3T | 2200 | 4.5 | 488.89 |
| CRT Imaging | 3T | 1500 | N/A | N/A |
| Ezra | 3T | 3752 | N/A | N/A |
*Voxel count is one part of image resolution. However, the quality of the voxel is not captured in the count. A provider could have a high number of voxels, but only a fraction of these are meaningful. Where counts are not published online (e.g. Prenuvo, Mermaid Beach Radiology(via Whole Body MRI), estimations were made using the following formula: (matrix) x (number of slices) for each sequence performed. Where individual stations and stitched data were supplied, only stitched data was quantified.
Voxel count does not factor image quality. As and extreme example, a provider could acquire 100 billion voxels of pure noise. So while one voxel count is one metric of image quality, it should not weigh heavily on the decision of which provider to choose.
Cost Analysis by Anatomical Coverage
| Location | Tesla Field | Cost (AUD) | Scan Coverage (meters) | Cost per Meter (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aspect Radiology | 3T | 2950 | Unknown | N/A |
| Brisbane Radiology | 3T | 2200 | 1.75 | 1257.14 |
| CRT Imaging | 3T | 1500 | 1.2 (Head to Knees) | 1250.00 |
| Ezra | 3T | 3752 | 1.2 (Head to Knees) | 3126.67 |
| Mermaid Beach Radiology | 3T | 3150 | 1.75 | 1800.00 |
| Prenuvo | 1.5T | 4000 | 1.75 | 2285.71 |
When evaluating cost per meter of body scanned, CRT Imaging comes out as the cheapest offering a full-body scan at $1250 AUD per metre based on anatomical coverage. In a close second, Brisbane Radiology comes in a $7.00 more per meter of anatomical coverage compared to CRT.
Like all metrics, it is important to evaluate the whole body of imaging (pun intended) as cost per metre does not factor image quality.
Conclusion: Paying for Precision
When it comes to full-body MRIs, the adage “you get what you pay for” often holds true. Higher initial costs typically reflect better technology, higher voxel density, and more efficient scanner use—all of which contribute to superior diagnostic accuracy. While budget-friendly options might seem appealing, they often come with trade-offs in image quality and reliability. More importantly, providers offering advanced technology and efficient operations can often deliver greater value despite their higher initial price tag, thanks to improved accuracy, reduced need for follow-up scans, and peace of mind.
By understanding cost metrics like price per voxel and price per unit of scanner time, you can make informed decisions and ensure you’re investing in the best possible care for your health.