MRI units per million: by country 2023

Among member countries of the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Japan has the highest density of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units. Over 57 such units are available per every million of its population. The United States and Greece both follow with rates of around 38 per million inhabitants. Compared to these countries, Mexico had around three MRI units per every million, The density of diagnostic imaging units can be one measurement to define the quality of a country’s health care infrastructure. 

Why and when MRI is used

The invention of MRI scanners revolutionized diagnostic imaging as it doesn’t use radiation, but a magnetic field and radio waves. Since ionized radiation as used in CT-scans and X-rays is potentially harmful for the patient, this includes a significant advantage for MRIs. MRI scans are principally used for imaging organs, soft tissues, ligaments, and other parts of the body which are difficult to see. While on the other hand, computer tomography (CT) scanners are more frequently used to show bony structures. Among the global top manufacturers of MRI scanners are General Electric, Siemens, Hitachi, and Philips.

The costs of MRI

A single scan per MRI could cost up to 4,000 U.S. dollars, and thus double the cost of a scan with CT. The purchase of an MRI scanner could be a major investment for a practice or a hospital, with prices ranging from 150 thousand dollars up to several million dollars. Of course, there are installation and maintenance costs to be taken into account as well. With nearly 40 million MRI scans performed annually in the United States, it’s clear that diagnostic imaging costs are substantial.