Cost
Last Updated June 2025
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 Normalised 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 (Essentials) | 3T | ~ $2940 full-body MRI component of package (includes >$800 of additional multi-modality screening) | 75 | $39.2 |
| Prenuvo (USA) | 1.5T | $4000 | 60 | $66.67 |
| Prenuvo (AUD) | 1.5T Open MRI | $3500 | 60 | $58.33 |
*Note: Mermaid Beach Radiology’s full-body MRI packages come with additional multi-modality screening, the cost of the scan was deduced by deducting the value of the additional screening scans. However, Mermaid Beach Radiology does not deduct this cost for individuals seeking full-body MRI alone (billed at full cost $3750). Prices may have changed - please contact the provider for accurate and up-to-date costs.
Cost per Scan Time Summary
Mermaid Beach Radiology and CRT cost per minute are nearly equivalent. However, if choosing between the two Gold Coast providers - the slight cost advantage of CRT ($6.00 cheaper), one must also consider screening confidence and patient experience.
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.
Mermaid Beach Radiology versus CRT
Screening Confidence: Only Mermaid Beach Radiology offers full-body DWIBS distortion correction at 3T. Meaning this scan can be performed without compromise. This translates to the highest level of screening confidence available in full-body MRI. Likewise, longer scan time, plus AI-powered image resolution means detail is unmatched. Reviewed images of CRTs full-body MRI, demonstrated problems with image quality (signal loss and distortion) throughout the neck and cardio-thoracic area.
Patient Experience: Compared to CRT, Mermaid Beach Radiology’s patient experience appears to be superior. A coastal, warm and welcoming space, known for their exceptional customer service (> 1.6k 5-star Google reviews). With regard to their full-body MRI scan, Mermaid Beach Radiology offers in-scan entertainment including audio-video streaming (e.g. Netflix).
The lack in investment in technologies such as ambient lighting and in-bore video streaming (which are known to offer superior patient outcomes), suggests patient experience is not at the forefront of the providers mind. Unfortunately, CRT has not made this investment. Sources close to the author have recounted a “cold” and “too bright” experience during the scan. in scan experience which took longer than expected. Interestingly, their was no patient information provided on the capabilities, sensitivities, limitation, risks etc of their full-body MRI which, overall, suggests inexperience.
Final Verdict: In this head-to-head, Mermaid Beach Radiology’s “Essentials” full-body MRI comes out on top.
Runner ups
The cost per scan time for 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*
Update (June 2025): Prenuvo Australia has come in at $3500 AUD for their 1.5T open MRI scan.
Cost Analysis by Voxel Count
| Location | Tesla Field | Cost (AUD) | Recon. Voxel Count (billions)* | Cost per Billion Voxels (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mermaid Beach Radiology | 3T | ~$2945 (after deducting value of additional included scans) | 3.8 | $775.00 |
| Prenuvo (USA) | 1.5T | $4000 | 1.5 | $2666.67 |
| Aspect Radiology | 3T | $2950 | N/A | N/A |
| Brisbane Radiology | 3T | $2200 | 3.6 (updated June 2025) | $611.11 |
| CRT Imaging | 3T | $1500 | Pending | Pending |
| Ezra (Full-body) | 3T | $3752 | 0.23 | $16,313.04 |
*Voxel count is one part of image resolution. However, the quality of the voxel is not captured in the count. Where counts are not published online (e.g. Prenuvo [including Ezra count], 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.
Note: Mermaid Beach Radiology’s full-body MRI packages come with additional multi-modality screening, the cost of the scan was deduced by deducting the value of the additional screening scans. However, Mermaid Beach Radiology does not deduct this cost for individuals seeking full-body MRI alone (billed at full cost $3750). Prices may have changed - please contact the provider for accurate and up-to-date costs.
Cost per Billion Voxel Summary
To preface, it is important to highlight that voxel count alone does not factor in voxel quality. As an extreme example, a provider could acquire 100 billion voxels of pure noise. So while voxel count is one metric of image quality, it should not be the only metric. We recommend considering inclusion of clinically-meaningful DWIBS and patient experience.
In this analysis, only providers with known voxel counts were compared. This will be updated as additional information becomes available.
In voxel count vacuum, Brisbane Radiology and Mermaid Beach Radiology are the top contenders. While voxel count is one aspect of image quality, the combination of voxel quantity and quality work together to impact radiologist confidence.
With that being said, Mermaid Beach Radiology stands out as a “winner” in this category due to the greater clinical usefulness of their diffusion imaging.
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 | ~$2940.00 ($3750 package cost, less ~$800 for additional included imaging) | 1.75 | $1680.00 |
| Prenuvo | 1.5T (USA) 1.5T open MRI (AUS) | $4000 (USA) / $3500 (AUD) | 1.75 | $2285.71 / $2000.00 |
Cost per Meter Summary
When evaluating cost per meter of body scanned, CRT (head to knees) 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 (head to toes) 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.
Screening confidence
What is the point of a full-body MRI screening if you are not imaging the full-body?
When comparing true full-body screening scans, Brisbane Radiology is the cheapest followed by Mermaid Beach Radiology.
Deciding between these two, again, should come down to image quality and clinical utility of DWIBS. In short, Mermaid Beach Radiology brings this one home.
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 unit of scanner time, you can make informed decisions and ensure you’re investing in the best possible care for your health.