# Prepare before you call

Lesson 1 of [Get and compare written MRI quotes](https://mriprices.fyi/academy/get-and-compare-mri-quotes.md), 12 minutes.

A price estimate needs exact facts. Collect them before you call the hospital.

## What to have in front of you

- **The order**: your doctor's order for the scan, with the body part and the side (left or right).
- **The CPT code**: ask the office that ordered the scan for the exact code. A code with contrast is different from a code without contrast.
- **How you will pay**: cash (self-pay), insurance in network, or insurance out of network. The questions change with the answer.
- **The hospital page**: the cash price and list price for your code, the price file link and the date that the site read the file.

## Do not change the order to save money

The order is a medical decision. Do not ask the hospital to change the scan, the side or the contrast to get a lower price. If the cost is a problem, tell the office that ordered the scan. Only that office can change the order.

## Keep medical details out of messages

Some hospital pages on this site have a contact form. The form asks you not to include medical details, diagnoses or medication information. Give only what the hospital needs to contact you.

## Keep a record

Write down the date, the name of the person you speak to and what they tell you. You use these notes when you compare quotes.

## Sources

- MRIPrices guide: Questions to ask before an MRI (updated 2026-10-02)
- MRIPrices tool: MRI cost checklist and CPT finder (updated 2026-10-02)

This course is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice.

Also on the [web page](https://mriprices.fyi/academy/get-and-compare-mri-quotes/prepare-before-you-call).