A brain scan is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides a detailed picture of the brain’s internal structure or activity. Where you can get a brain scan depends entirely on the reason it is needed. Scans ordered for medical diagnosis follow a different path than those obtained through research participation. The route to getting a scan is clearly defined by its purpose, whether addressing a health concern or contributing to scientific understanding.
Accessing Scans Through Medical Referral
The most common way to receive a brain scan is through a medical referral from a healthcare provider. This process begins with a physician determining that imaging is medically necessary to diagnose or monitor a condition. A physician’s order is mandatory for any clinical brain scan to be performed.
Diagnostic scans are typically performed in a hospital radiology department or at an independent outpatient imaging center. The two most frequent types of clinical brain scans are Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT). A physician orders these scans to investigate symptoms like chronic headaches, seizures, or sudden weakness, or to monitor conditions such as tumors or multiple sclerosis.
A CT scan uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images. It is the preferred choice in emergencies due to its speed and effectiveness at identifying acute issues like internal bleeding or bone fractures. MRI scans use powerful magnetic fields and radio waves, offering greater detail of soft tissues. This makes MRI superior for diagnosing subtle abnormalities, stroke damage, or brain tumors. The doctor chooses between a CT and an MRI based on the specific clinical question.
Participating in Brain Imaging Research
A secondary route for accessing brain imaging is by volunteering to participate in a scientific study. These opportunities are not for diagnostic purposes but aim to gather data to advance understanding of the brain’s function and disorders. Research scans often take place at major university medical centers, specialized research institutes, or academic laboratories.
Research frequently employs functional MRI (fMRI), which measures blood flow changes to map brain activity during specific tasks. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, which use a radioactive tracer, are also used to study metabolic activity. While the primary goal is data collection, some studies may inform participants of incidental findings that require medical follow-up.
Individuals interested in research must meet specific inclusion criteria, such as age, health status, or the presence of a particular condition, as defined by the study protocol. These research scans are typically offered at no cost to the participant and sometimes include compensation for time and travel. Opportunities can be found by searching clinical trial databases maintained by government health organizations or by checking university neuroscience and psychology department websites.
Understanding the Costs and Logistics
Obtaining a clinical brain scan involves navigating both financial and procedural hurdles. The cost of a brain CT scan ranges from approximately $825 to $4,800, and a brain MRI costs between $1,600 and $8,400 on average. Pricing varies significantly depending on whether the scan is performed in a hospital setting, which is often more expensive, or an independent outpatient imaging center.
For those with health insurance, coverage usually requires the physician to submit a referral and sometimes obtain pre-authorization from the insurer to validate medical necessity. Patients are responsible for any applicable co-pays, deductibles, or co-insurance amounts outlined by their specific plan. Procedures may involve additional charges if a contrast agent is injected to enhance image clarity, which can add $100 to $300 to the total cost.
Logistically, patients must prepare differently for each scan. For an MRI, patients must undergo a thorough metal screening, as the powerful magnet prohibits ferrous objects in the room. The procedure can last anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour. A sedative may be administered for patients with claustrophobia or those who cannot remain still, adding $125 to $400 to the price. CT scans are generally much faster, but patients may still need to fast or remove metallic jewelry beforehand.