| Centre type | From-price | Referral rule | Report time | Source | Date checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dedicated scanning centre group (Vista Health) | £249 off-peak; £360 standard; £380 fast track (within 7 days) | Self-referral accepted (18+) | Written report within 3 working days | vista-health.co.uk | 5 October 2026 |
| Hospital group (50+ hospitals) (Circle Health Group) | From £347; varies by hospital, quote may be higher | Priced on the scans requested by the professional who referred you | Same day in some cases; otherwise within one week | circlehealthgroup.co.uk | 5 October 2026 |
| Hospital group diagnostic suite (Nuffield Health Manchester Diagnostic Suite) | £400 one part; £538 two parts; £658 three parts (guide prices) | Referral from a registered healthcare professional needed | Results within a few days | nuffieldhealth.com | 5 October 2026 |
| Hospital group hospital (Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital) | £620 one part (guide price) | Referral from a healthcare professional needed | Results to your referrer within a week | nuffieldhealth.com | 5 October 2026 |
| Specialist orthopaedic clinic (Fortius Clinic Wimbledon) | £735 one part (guide price, excludes consultant fees) | Referral letter may be needed; physio referral may be accepted | Not stated on the price page | fortiusclinic.com | 5 October 2026 |
| Online booking service (150+ partner centres) (Scan.com) | From £305, including a referral written by its medical team | No GP letter needed; its clinicians compile the referral | Estimated 7 to 10 working days | uk.scan.com | 5 October 2026 |
- Price is per single body area. Contrast, if needed, is £125 extra.
Prices are the centres' own published figures, checked by Pete on 5 October 2026. A centre may change a price at any time; the centre's quote is what counts. We delete a row we cannot re-check. Listing a centre here does not mean it is a partner of ours. Full list on Sources.
What we can and cannot do
We are not a clinic and not the NHS. We do not scan, diagnose, refer or book a confirmed slot. We cannot tell you whether you need an MRI. If you have new weakness, numbness in the saddle area, loss of bladder or bowel control, sudden severe headache, chest pain or any symptom that frightens you, call 999 or NHS 111, or see your GP, today.
What we can do: explain the price, the referral rule and the centre types in plain English, and, if you ask, pass your request to one independent scanning centre that covers your area so it can contact you. That is free for you. The centre may pay us a fee.
Four steps to a private MRI
- Body area. Name the one area to be scanned: hand. Two areas usually cost more than one.
- Referral rule. Check whether the centre takes self-referral or wants a letter from a GP, physio or consultant. See self-referral and GP letter.
- Centre type. Dedicated scanning centre, hospital group, or open MRI. Compare the from-price, the referral rule and the report time.
- Ask one centre to contact you. Use the form. One partner centre may call or email you. Nothing is booked until you agree a time and price with them.
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What does a hand MRI show?
A hand MRI shows the finger and thumb joints, the tendons that bend and straighten the fingers, the ligaments (including the thumb ligament often injured in falls and ball sports), the small muscles of the hand, and lumps such as ganglia. It can also show early joint inflammation in some types of arthritis, which is why rheumatologists sometimes ask for it.
Many hand problems are diagnosed by examination, X-ray or ultrasound. Ultrasound is quick for tendons and lumps and can be dynamic, watching a tendon move. MRI gives a wider and deeper view.
Can I refer myself for a private hand MRI?
Some dedicated centres accept self-referral. Vista Health covers hand and wrist together and says scans start from £249 per scan; its self-referral route is for adults and starts with a questionnaire. Hospital groups usually ask for a referral from a GP, consultant or hand therapist. See self-referral.
How much does a private hand MRI cost?
On 5 October 2026, Vista Health listed £249 off-peak, £360 standard and £380 fast track for a single area. Hospital guide prices for one part were £400 to £620 at the Nuffield Health sites we checked, and Fortius Clinic Wimbledon listed £735 before consultant fees. If a rheumatologist wants contrast to look for inflammation, the price rises; see contrast.
What happens during a hand MRI?
Like the wrist, the hand may be scanned with your arm by your side or above your head while you lie face down. Expect 20 to 30 minutes. Remove rings before the scan; if a ring will not come off, tell the centre, as metal near the scan area causes problems.
What should I ask before booking?
- Which fingers or which part of the hand will be scanned?
- Is the hand one area with the wrist, or separate?
- Self-referral or a letter, and is contrast needed?
- Report time and image download.
When is a hand MRI worth it?
It helps most when the result will change your treatment: a suspected ligament tear that may need surgery, a lump that ultrasound could not explain, or early inflammatory arthritis a rheumatologist is assessing. For a recent injury, a minor injuries unit or A&E is the right first step.
Can I get a private hand MRI without a GP?
Yes, at some dedicated centres that accept self-referral. Hospital groups usually want a referral from a GP, consultant or hand therapist.
How much is a private hand MRI?
On 5 October 2026, from £249 off-peak at a dedicated centre, and £400 to £620 for one part at the hospital sites we checked.
Do I need to take my rings off for a hand MRI?
Yes. Remove all jewellery. If a ring will not come off, tell the centre before the day.
Want one centre to call you? Request a private MRI. Free for you; the centre may pay us.