A dedicated MRI is a targeted scan designed to evaluate a specific area of the body. They're ordered for particular symptoms: knee pain, back pain, blurred vision.
In comparison, a full-body MRI images the entire body using specialized protocols.
In this post, we'll explore what it would take to replicate a full-body MRI using dedicated MRIs.
What Would It Cost to Scan Every Part of Your Body?
We pulled average self-pay prices from Florida imaging centers to estimate what you'd spend on individual MRIs for every major region of the body.
Here's the breakdown:
Body Part | Average Cost | Time (minutes) |
---|---|---|
Brain | $852 | 45 |
Cervical Spine | $509 | 45 |
Facial Structures | $300 | 30 |
Thoracic Spine | $511 | 45 |
Lumbar Spine | $509 | 45 |
Chest | $400 | 45 |
Abdomen | $300 | 45 |
Pelvis | $550 | 45 |
Shoulder | $375 | 45 |
Hip | $250 | 45 |
Knee | $250 | 45 |
Ankle | $550 | 30 |
Total | $5,356 | 8.5 hours (510 minutes) |
That's 8.5 hours of scan time…
…across 12 separate visits
…costing over $5,000 out of pocket.
Compare that to:
One visit
60 minutes
$1,995 flat
With a doctor consultation and results in 48 hours
It's not just a better value — it's a better experience.
The time difference is huge
Let's say you did all 12 MRIs individually.
You're looking at:
- 8.5 hours of scanning
- Weeks of scheduling
- 50+ intake forms to fill out
- And likely, 12 different "please arrive 30 minutes early" emails
A TrueScan full-body MRI?
One 60 minute scan. No referral required either.
Why You Can't Just Stitch Together Dedicated MRIs
It's tempting to think that stringing together individual MRIs could give you the same value as a full-body MRI—but it's just not the same:
- Dedicated MRIs are designed to evaluate a specific issue, not screening. They're looking at one body part, not patterns across systems.
- Radiologists don't have context from other regions, so subtle, connected findings might be missed.
- Inconsistent protocols: Different facilities use different machines, sequences, and staff—so results can vary wildly.
TrueScan's protocols are developed specifically for full body imaging. This doesn't exist in routine, part-by-part outpatient scans.
TrueScan Includes Physician-Led Follow-Up
Here's something else that separates TrueScan from traditional imaging:
When you get a standard MRI, you typically get a one-page radiology report. No one explains it. It's packed with medical jargon. You're left Googling unfamiliar terms and guessing what to do next.
At TrueScan, that's not how we operate.
- You receive a detailed, patient-friendly report that contextualizes any findings.
- You'll meet with one of our experienced physicians for a 1-on-1, 60-minute video consultation to walk you through your scan.
- If something needs further evaluation, we'll connect you to a trusted specialist in our Tampa Bay network.
You leave with clarity and a plan—not confusion.
Our Team Is Built for Full-Body Imaging
Our radiologists, physicians, and MRI technologists are specifically trained in full-body imaging—a completely different skillset than routine orthopedic or neurologic scans.
Trying to assemble 12 different MRIs across 12 different facilities means relying on:
- 12 different MRI techs
- 12 different radiologists
- 12 different care teams
And hoping they all meet the same standard? That's risky. With TrueScan, every part of the experience is consistent, controlled, and focused on you.
It's the Little Things, Too
- We answer the phone when you call—no endless hold music.
- We can quickly share your report with your doctor upon request—no chasing down faxes or waiting days for records departments.
- You can access everything—your intake forms, radiology report, scan images—all in your patient portal (spoiler: it's really easy to use).
- During your scan, enjoy our built-in entertainment system where you can stream Netflix or other shows to help the time pass comfortably.
- We offer interest-free financing through Affirm, and we're HSA/FSA eligible.
- Most importantly, we obsess over making your experience comfortable and efficient — because healthcare shouldn't be frustrating or confusing.
You can think of TrueScan as the 5-star concierge version of imaging.
A Final Note on Purpose
A full body MRI is not designed to replace dedicated MRIs. Dedicated MRIs are ordered by your doctor to evaluate a specific symptom or concern — for example, persistent knee pain (in which case a knee MRI would be ordered). These scans are typically targeted, higher resolution, and sometimes performed with contrast to provide detailed imaging of one specific area.
But if you're looking for a screening tool for your entire body —a way to catch serious conditions before symptoms appear—there's simply no efficient or affordable way to do that using traditional imaging pathways.
That's why TrueScan exists.