Can I Get an MRI Without a Doctor's Order?
Short answer: Yes. At First Look MRI, you can book an MRI yourself without a doctor's order, referral, or insurance approval. You pay a flat self-pay price ($450 in Texas and Colorado, $499 in Georgia), and a fellowship-trained radiologist sends you a written report in under 24 hours. First Look MRI has seven locations in the Atlanta, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Denver areas.
Why most MRIs require a doctor's order
The order requirement mostly comes from insurance. To pay for an MRI, an insurer usually wants a physician's order and often prior authorization showing the scan is medically necessary. Some plans also require weeks of physical therapy or other treatment before they will approve imaging. Each step adds appointments, paperwork, and waiting.
Because First Look MRI does not bill insurance, none of those steps are needed. You decide when you want answers.
How it works at First Look MRI
- Book online or by phone. Choose your location and the body area you want scanned. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.
- Safety screening. Before the scan, every patient is screened for implants and metal that are not MRI-safe.
- The scan. A typical single MRI takes about 30 minutes.
- The report. A board-certified, fellowship-trained radiologist reads your scan. The written report arrives in under 24 hours, or in under 90 minutes with STAT ($50).
- Your results go where you want. You receive the report and images directly, and First Look MRI also sends them to any doctor you name.
What if I don't have a doctor?
You can still get scanned. To understand the results, you can add a video report, in which the radiologist walks through your images and explains the findings and next steps in plain language, or book a phone consultation with a radiologist for $150. If the scan shows something that needs treatment, take your report and images to a primary care doctor or specialist. Having the MRI already done often speeds up that visit.
Who uses self-referred MRI?
- People with knee, shoulder, back, or other joint pain who want answers without waiting for a referral or authorization.
- People with high-deductible insurance, who would pay out of pocket anyway.
- People without insurance.
- People who want a screening exam, such as a whole body MRI, that insurance typically won't cover.
- Athletes and active people who want a quick answer before deciding on treatment.
When to see a doctor first
- Emergencies. Stroke symptoms, a severe injury, or sudden severe pain need an emergency room, not a scheduled outpatient scan.
- Insurance would cover most of the cost. If you have met your deductible, an insurance-billed scan may cost you less, even though it requires an order.
- You're not sure which area to scan. Call First Look MRI before booking, or see your doctor to narrow down the problem.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an MRI without a referral?
Yes. First Look MRI does not require a doctor's order or referral. You can book an MRI directly online or by phone.
How much does an MRI without a doctor's order cost?
At First Look MRI, a single MRI costs $450 in Texas and Colorado and $499 in Georgia, including the radiologist's written report. There is no extra charge for booking without an order.
Will my doctor get my MRI results?
Yes, if you want. You receive your report and images directly, and First Look MRI also sends them to any doctor you name.
Can I use insurance if I book without a doctor's order?
No. First Look MRI does not bill insurance. Patients pay a flat price with a credit card, debit card, HSA or FSA card, or CareCredit.
Where can I get an MRI without a doctor's order?
First Look MRI has seven locations: Alpharetta, Brookhaven, Braselton, and Gainesville in Georgia; Plano and Alliance (Fort Worth) in Texas; and Centennial (Denver area) in Colorado. An eighth location in Superior, Colorado is opening soon.
Related: How much does an MRI cost without insurance? · Why choose First Look MRI?