Referral for Imaging

A common concern from our patients is that they have questions about imaging, including if they need it, what to get, how much it costs, if they can use their insurance, and they are unsure of the process. The vast majority of the population has had some form of diagnostic imaging in their lives. Whether it be for a broken bone, torn ligament, or severe back pain, diagnostic imaging has played a role in our healthcare in some form or another.

Multiple studies show that diagnostic imaging, such as radiographs (X-rays) or MRIs, do not correlate with one's pain or injury. For example, someone can have sharp, shooting lower back pain that radiates to their feet but have a clean lumbar spine MRI. In addition, someone can have what appears to be a "bad" MRI and be completely asymptomatic. This doesn't just apply to spinal pain. Additional studies have shown a similar correlation between rotator cuff tears, meniscus tears, osteoarthritis, sub-acromial pain syndrome, ankle sprains, and the list goes on.

When it comes to Orthopedists or General Practitioners, they do not get paid for doing manual therapy, rehab, modalities, and utilizing conservative-based care to treat you, so you may have to see several different clinicians or go through several hoops before being referred for imaging if needed. Also, physical therapists, athletic trainers, personal trainers, and coaches cannot directly refer for imaging whereas we can both treat and refer for imaging if needed.

At Strength & Spine Chiropractic, imaging is only immediately ordered when the clinician believes there to be underlying pathology or a serious issue (RED FLAG) such as a fracture, tumor, infection, or cancer. This does not mean patients are NEVER referred for X-rays or MRIs, however, this is why a thorough evaluation is to be had so we can properly determine if you need an X-ray, MRI, CT Scan, etc.

It is easier than ever to get a referral for imaging if needed, whether it be through your insurance or cash. The pros of paying cash are that you can usually get an appointment within a few days and at a much cheaper price. Here is just an example of pricing for imaging that one of the SimonMed Imaging reps handed me last week:

SimonMed Imaging Self-Pay Pricing:

X-ray
Cervical Spine 2-3 views
$50
Cervical Spine 4-5 views
$65
Thoracic Spine 2 view
$40
Lumbar Spine 2-3 views
$50
Lumbar Spine 4-5 views
$65
Shoulder 2 view
$45
Elbow 3 views
$40
Knee 1-2 views
$45
Ankle 3 views
$45

MRI (w/o contrast)
Cervical
$260
Thoracic
$260
Lumbar
$265
Shoulder
$280
Elbow
$280
Knee
$280
Ankle
$280

 As you can see, these are some of the most common referrals and estimated costs for these services. If you are concerned about getting imaging for an injury, book a FREE Discovery Visit with us at our Tampa or Pinellas Park Office to see how we can help!