What Akumin does and who operates it

Akumin is a diagnostic imaging company that operates MRI facilities across the United States. The company runs imaging centers in multiple states and provides MRI scans to patients referred by their doctors. Akumin is a private, for-profit business — not a government agency or nonprofit — and handles the scheduling, imaging, and billing for the scans it performs.

Akumin operates as a service provider within the broader healthcare system. Your doctor orders the MRI, you contact an Akumin location to schedule, and Akumin performs the scan and sends the images back to your doctor. The company does not decide whether you need an MRI or what the results mean; your physician does that part.

Akumin locations are typically standalone imaging centers or are housed within larger medical facilities. You can find Akumin centers in states including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and others, though the exact locations change over time as the company expands or closes facilities.

Key Takeaways

  • Akumin is a private imaging company that performs MRI scans at multiple locations across the United States, not a government program or insurance company.
  • Your doctor must order the MRI before you can schedule with Akumin; the company does not order scans on its own.
  • You will need your insurance information and a valid doctor's order when you call to schedule an appointment.
  • Akumin bills your insurance directly, though you may owe a copay, coinsurance, or deductible depending on your plan.
  • If you do not have insurance, Akumin locations typically offer self-pay rates that may be lower than the standard billed amount.

How to schedule an MRI at an Akumin location

To schedule an MRI with Akumin, you first need a written order from your doctor. This order should specify what part of your body needs imaging and any special instructions (such as whether you need contrast dye). Call the Akumin location nearest you or ask your doctor's office to send the order directly to Akumin on your behalf — many doctor's offices handle this step themselves.

When you call to schedule, have your insurance card ready. Akumin will ask for your member ID, group number, and date of birth so they can verify your coverage before your appointment. If you do not have insurance, tell the scheduler and ask about self-pay pricing. Some Akumin locations offer discounts for uninsured patients who pay upfront.

Appointment availability varies by location and how urgent your scan is. Routine MRIs may be scheduled weeks out; urgent or stat orders may be accommodated faster. Ask the scheduler how long the wait is and whether you need to arrive early for paperwork.

What happens during your MRI appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to check in and complete any remaining paperwork. The staff will ask you to remove metal objects — jewelry, watches, glasses, hearing aids, and anything else metal — and change into a hospital gown or keep your clothes on if they contain no metal. Tell the technician if you have any metal implants, pacemakers, or metal fragments in your body, as these can interfere with the MRI or pose a safety risk.

The MRI machine is a large tube. You will lie on a table that slides into the tube, and the machine will take images of the area your doctor ordered. The scan is painless but loud — you may hear banging or knocking sounds. The technician can hear you through a speaker and can stop the scan if you need a break. Most MRI scans take 20 to 45 minutes depending on what is being imaged.

If your doctor ordered contrast (a dye injected into your vein to make certain tissues show up more clearly), the technician will place an IV before the scan. Contrast is optional and your doctor will have noted on the order whether it is needed. After the scan, you can return to normal activities when ready unless your doctor has given you other instructions.

How Akumin bills for MRI scans

Akumin submits a bill to your insurance company after your scan is complete. The bill includes the cost of the MRI itself, any contrast used, and any technician fees. Your insurance company pays Akumin directly based on what your plan covers. You are responsible for any copay, coinsurance, or deductible your plan requires.

The amount you owe depends entirely on your insurance plan. Some plans cover MRIs with a flat copay (for example, $150). Others require you to pay coinsurance, which is a percentage of the total bill (for example, 20 percent). If you have not met your deductible for the year, you may owe the full cost of the scan until the deductible is satisfied.

If you do not have insurance, Akumin will bill you directly. Ask about the self-pay rate when you schedule — it is often lower than the amount billed to insurance. Some locations offer payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount upfront.

Getting your results and images

Akumin sends the MRI images and a preliminary report to your doctor, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Your doctor reviews the images and discusses the results with you at a follow-up appointment or phone call. Akumin does not send results directly to you; your doctor is the one who interprets them and explains what they mean for your care.

If you want a copy of your images on a CD or USB drive for your records or to share with another doctor, ask Akumin before you leave your appointment. Some locations provide this at no charge; others may charge a small fee. You can also request your images in writing after your appointment if you did not ask on the day of the scan.

What to do if you have insurance questions before your appointment

Call your insurance company directly to find out what your plan covers for MRI scans. Have your member ID and policy number ready. Ask whether your plan requires prior authorization — some insurance companies require Akumin or your doctor to get approval before the scan is performed. If prior authorization is needed and it is not obtained, your insurance may deny the claim and you could be billed for the full cost.

Ask your insurance company what your copay or coinsurance will be and whether you have met your deductible for the year. This tells you roughly what you will owe out of pocket. If the cost is higher than you expected, talk to your doctor about whether the MRI is necessary or whether another type of imaging might work instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an MRI with Akumin without a doctor's order?

No. Akumin requires a written order from a licensed physician before scheduling any MRI. If you think you need an MRI but do not have a doctor's order, contact your primary care doctor or an urgent care clinic to request one.

What if I have a pacemaker or metal implant?

Tell Akumin when you call to schedule and tell the technician again when you arrive. Some implants are MRI-safe and some are not. Your doctor and the Akumin technician will determine whether the scan can be done safely. If your implant is not MRI-compatible, your doctor may order a different type of imaging instead.

How much will my MRI cost?

The cost depends on your insurance plan and what is being scanned. Call your insurance company to find out your copay or coinsurance. If you are uninsured, ask Akumin for the self-pay rate when you schedule. Costs vary by location and whether contrast is used.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Call the Akumin location where you scheduled as soon as you know you cannot make your appointment. Canceling in advance allows another patient to use that time slot. Ask about the cancellation policy — some locations charge a fee if you cancel within a certain number of hours of your appointment.

Will Akumin send my results to my doctor automatically?

Yes. Akumin sends the images and report to your doctor's office after the scan is complete, usually within one to two business days. Your doctor will review them and contact you to discuss the results. If your doctor does not reach out within a few days, call their office to ask about the results.