Why Choose First Look MRI?

By Brian Gay, MD, radiologist and founder of First Look MRI · Updated November 2026

First Look MRI at a glance

1. You don't need a doctor's order or insurance approval

At most imaging centers, an MRI starts with a referral, then insurance pre-authorization, and sometimes weeks of physical therapy before the scan is approved. First Look MRI removes those steps. Patients book directly online or by phone, often for the same day or the next day. Results go to the patient and to any doctor the patient names.

2. One flat price, known before you book

First Look MRI publishes its prices. A single MRI of one body area costs $450 in Texas and Colorado and $499 in Georgia, including the radiologist's reading. There are no separate facility fees, reading fees, or surprise bills afterward. Hospital MRIs can cost several thousand dollars once facility and professional fees are added, and patients with high-deductible plans often pay that full amount out of pocket.

Prices stay low because First Look MRI does only MRI, does not bill insurance, and has no outside investors. Without insurance billing staff, claims, and denials, the overhead is much lower.

3. Results in hours, not weeks

A written radiology report is delivered in under 24 hours. Patients who need an answer faster can add STAT reading for $50 and receive results in under 90 minutes. Patients get online access to their report and images, plus a CD of the images to take to any doctor.

4. A radiologist explains your results on video

A standard radiology report is written for doctors, and most patients find it hard to understand. With the First Look Video Report, the radiologist walks through the actual images and explains the findings and next steps in plain language. It is included with all whole body packages and available with a single MRI for $100 more. Patients can also book a phone consultation with a radiologist for $150.

5. Scans read by MRI specialists

Every First Look MRI scan is interpreted by a board-certified radiologist with fellowship training, meaning one or more extra years of subspecialty training after residency. The company was founded by a practicing radiologist rather than a corporate chain or investment firm, and it is run by physicians.

6. Whole body MRI at a lower price

First Look MRI offers three radiation-free whole body MRI packages. Each includes a written report and a video report:

• Whole Body Gold (90 minutes): diagnostic MRI of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis. $1,999 to $2,099.
• Whole Body Platinum (120 minutes): Gold plus a screening MRI of the whole spine. $2,399 to $2,499.
• Whole Body Diamond (130 minutes): Platinum plus MRA of the brain to screen for aneurysms, body composition (fat and muscle), and liver fat analysis. $2,999 to $3,099.

For a side-by-side look at other providers, see our whole body MRI comparison of First Look MRI, Prenuvo, and Ezra.

7. Comfortable scanners, including open MRI

Most locations use high-field wide-bore MRI scanners, which have more room than older narrow-bore machines. The Braselton, Georgia location has a true open MRI for patients with claustrophobia or larger body size.

When First Look MRI may not be the right choice

• Emergencies. Stroke symptoms, severe injury, or sudden severe pain need an emergency room, not a scheduled outpatient scan.
• Insurance has already met your deductible. If your plan will cover most of the cost, billing insurance at an in-network center may cost you less.
• Some implanted devices. Certain pacemakers, neurostimulators, and metal implants are not MRI-safe. Every patient is screened before the scan.