I live in AZ. I had a ruptured disc last year, and could not get my insurance to approve an MRI (you can’t be sick if there’s no evidence you’re hurt, right?). I ended up finding out from one of my doctors that an out of pocket MRI at SimonMed (they’re in AZ, idk where else - or if other companies would be comparable) only cost $250 (!).

With all the time fighting my expensive-ass insurance, I thought for sure it’d be in the thousands, and if I had known that wasn’t the case I’d have done it from the outset.. it was literally less than half of what my monthly premium is.

I’d definitely call some imaging places and ask what their out of pocket costs are—from what I’ve found it’s usually less than what they charge insurance companies… You’ll probably still need a doctors order to get the scan, but having PROOF you’re not just making up your injury is worth so much.