By Bill Rusteberg
According to Atul Gawande McAllen, Texas is one of the most expensive health-care markets in the country. But it doesn’t have to be.
His block-buster article “The Cost Conundrum” Gawande writes “McAllen one of the most expensive health-care markets in the country. Only Miami—which has much higher labor and living costs—spends more per person on health care.”
We have no reason to doubt Atul’s description since we have been on the insurance side of health care in the McAllen area for over 50 years. Health care costs for employer sponsored health plans are exploding. For example, the Edinburg Independent School District, right next door to McAllen, has seen their insurance costs more than double in the past seven years, going from less than $20 million to over $40 million. Same demographics, same hospitals and doctors. Plan members are not double sicker these days but prices are.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Cash pay health plans are gaining traction across the country bringing tremendous savings to consumers.
Artificial Intelligence supports quick, easy and economical access to health care from identifying best cash prices for needed procedures and services to guiding consumers through the here-to-fore complicated maze of the American health care delivery system.
Need a MRI of the lumbar spine without contrast in McAllen? You can one for +$5,000 or $277.79. Which do you think your insurance plan should pay for?
Anyone can go to chatgpt.com to check prices. It’s a free service. So we did that, asking for cash prices in McAllen for a MRI and a primary care office visit.
Below are the results:
MRI Providers in McAllen, TX
1. Radiology Assist
- Starting Price: $277.79 for an MRI of the lumbar spine without contrast.
- Other Examples:
- Brain MRI without contrast: $284.76
- Knee MRI without contrast: $293.69
- Locations:
- 905 E Esperanza Ave, McAllen, TX 78501
- 5030 N 10th St, McAllen, TX 78504
- Includes: Radiologist report.
- Website: Radiology AssistNew Choice Health+4Radiology Assist+4MDsave – Your Medical Procedure for Less+4openmriofmcallen.com+1New Choice Health+1
2. MDsave
- MRI with and without Contrast: $493 to $724
- MRI without Contrast: $337 to $980
- Participating Providers:
- Upper Valley Interventional Radiology (MRI with and without contrast: $493)
- South Texas Health System McAllen (MRI with and without contrast: $724)
- Website: MDsave – Your Medical Procedure for LessMDsave – Your Medical Procedure for Less+4MDsave – Your Medical Procedure for Less+4MDsave – Your Medical Procedure for Less+4
3. Open MRI of McAllen
- Price Range:
- MRI Cervical Spine: $600 – $1,300
- MRI Foot, Ankle, Leg, Hip: $440 – $975
- Address: 4900 N 10th St, Suite F1, McAllen, TX 78504
- Hours: Mon–Sat, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Website: openmriofmcallen.comMDsave – Your Medical Procedure for Less+6New Choice Health+6New Choice Health+6openmriofmcallen.com+1Radiology Assist+1
4. South Texas Health System ER Weslaco
- Cash Prices:
- MRI without Contrast: $375
- MRI with Contrast: $550
- MRI with and without Contrast: $575
- Note: Physician order required for all radiology procedures.
- Website: southtexashealthsystem.comsouthtexashealthsystem.com+2MDsave – Your Medical Procedure for Less+2MDsave – Your Medical Procedure for Less+2southtexashealthsystem.comsouthtexashealthsystem.com+2MDsave – Your Medical Procedure for Less+2MDsave – Your Medical Procedure for Less+2
💡 Tips for Booking
- Contrast Requirement: Confirm with your physician whether your MRI requires contrast, as this affects pricing.
- Inclusions: Ensure the quoted price includes the radiologist’s report and any additional fees.
- Scheduling: Some facilities offer extended hours or weekend appointments for convenience.openmriofmcallen.com+2Radiology Assist+2Radiology Assist+2openmriofmcallen.com
If you need assistance finding the best option based on the specific body part to be scanned or other preferences, feel free to ask!
Primary Care Clinics in McAllen, TX – Self-Pay Rates
| Clinic Name | Office Visit Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Care Clinic of Texas | $60 | Offers routine visits, bloodwork ($10–$20), and annual well-woman exams for $105. Details |
| McAllen Family Urgent Care | $100 | Walk-in urgent care; additional services like X-rays start at $80. Details |
| AllCare Family & Immediate Care | $140 | Includes some rapid tests and injectable medications. Details |
| PrimeDoc Clinics | $140 | Includes some rapid tests and injections; annual physicals start at $240. Details |
| Texas Family Health Care | $160 | Covers common illnesses; additional services may incur extra charges. Details |
| Family Doctors Medical Center | $179 (new) / $129 (follow-up) | Physicals at $299; prices may vary. Details |
| Gateway Urgent Care | $139 | Includes up to two diagnostic tests; physicals start at $35. Details |
| Isla Primary Care | $50 | Telehealth visits; monthly plans available. Details |
| Alivio Health | Tiered pricing | Offers direct primary care without membership fees; contact for specific rates. Details |
| Cash Medical Clinic | Not specified | Emphasizes affordability; contact directly for pricing. Details |
💡 Tips for Choosing a Clinic
- Telehealth Options: If convenience is a priority, Isla Primary Care offers telehealth visits starting at $50.
- In-Person Visits: For comprehensive in-person care, Primary Care Clinic of Texas provides visits at $60, including affordable lab work.
- Urgent Care Needs: McAllen Family Urgent Care and Gateway Urgent Care offer walk-in services with transparent pricing.
- Direct Primary Care: Alivio Health provides a tiered service model without membership fees, focusing on comprehensive care.islaprimarycare.comaliviohealthmcallen.com
It’s advisable to contact the clinics directly to confirm current pricing and services, as fees may vary. If you need assistance scheduling an appointment or have specific healthcare needs, feel free to ask!
Artificial intelligence coupled with a Cash Pay Health Plan is the future of health care. And the future is now.
RiskManagers.us is a specialty company in the benefits market that, while not an insurance company, works directly with health entities, medical providers, and businesses to identify and develop cost effective benefits packages, emphasizing transparency and fairness in direct reimbursement compensation methods.
ADDITIONAL READING ASSIGNMENT FOR TOMORROW:
Cash Pay Can Be Added To Any Plan
Giving Employees A Choice Between Not-So-Free Care and………FREE CARE
A Common Sense Health Plan Option You’ve Never Heard Of………..
The Rise of Self-Service Health Care
