How to Choose the Best Place to Get an MRI Quickly and at the Lowest Price in Singapore

Uncategorized | 2026 Jan

Look for Fast Appointment Scheduling

Speed matters if you want quick answers and treatment. Public hospitals often have long wait times. The best choice is a clinic offering same-day or next-working-day MRI appointments, allowing you to start treatment sooner.


2. Compare Consultation and MRI Costs

MRI scans vary widely in Singapore. Private specialist consultations before and after an MRI can add hundreds of dollars to your total bill.

At the Pain Relief Clinic, you can get:

  • Consultation: $50

  • MRI scan: $950

This is much more affordable and transparent compared to the traditional specialist-first route.


3. Claim Medisave for MRI – Up to $600

A major advantage is that most MRI scans at the Pain Relief Clinic are Medisave-claimable. Patients can typically claim up to $600, covering more than half the cost of the scan.

Example:

  • MRI cost: $950

  • Medisave claim: $600

  • Out-of-pocket cost: ~$350

This significantly reduces financial burden while maintaining fast, high-quality imaging.


4. Coverage for Major Body Parts

The Pain Relief Clinic performs MRI scans for:

  • Knee – ligament, meniscus, cartilage, bursitis

  • Neck – disc herniation, nerve compression, spinal stenosis

  • Back – lumbar/thoracic spine for sciatica or chronic pain

  • Shoulder – rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, arthritis

  • Ankle – ligament sprains, tendon injuries, joint instability

  • Foot – plantar fascia issues, tendon injuries, fractures

  • Elbow – tendonitis, ligament injuries, nerve compression

  • Hand – ligament/tendon injuries, arthritis, nerve issues

  • Hip – labral tears, bursitis, early osteoarthritis


5. Specialist Radiologist Reporting Included

Every scan comes with expert radiologist interpretation, ensuring accurate results and eliminating additional reporting fees.


6. Integrated and Coordinated Care

Beyond imaging, the clinic provides results review, treatment guidance, and referrals to specialists if needed, making it a one-stop solution.


7. Flexible Payment Options

In addition to Medisave claims, the clinic supports insurance coverage and cashless payment plans, making MRI scans accessible to more patients.


8. High-Quality, Radiation-Free Imaging

MRIs are high-resolution and radiation-free, ideal for detecting soft tissue, nerve, and joint injuries that X-rays or CT scans may miss.


9. Convenience and Workflow

Patients benefit from a fully coordinated workflow:

  • Consultation, MRI, reporting, and follow-up advice in one clinic

  • Reduced waiting times and travel

  • Efficient and patient-friendly process


10. How to Choose the Best Place for MRI

The ideal MRI centre in Singapore offers:

  • Fast appointments – same-day or next-working-day

  • Transparent and affordable pricing – consultation $50, MRI $950

  • Medisave-claimable – up to $600 per scan

  • Coverage for multiple body parts – knee, back, neck, shoulder, ankle, foot, elbow, hand, hip

  • Radiologist reporting included

  • Integrated care and specialist referral

  • High-quality, radiation-free imaging

MRI Scans in Singapore – Fast, Affordable, and Comprehensive at Pain Relief Clinic

Uncategorized | 2026 Jan

1. What is an MRI scan and why is it used?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a radiation-free imaging technique that produces detailed images of your soft tissues, joints, bones, and nerves. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions affecting the knee, neck, back, shoulder, ankle, foot, elbow, hand, and hip.

MRI is particularly useful for:

  • Soft tissue injuries (ligaments, tendons, cartilage)

  • Nerve impingements and spinal issues

  • Joint degeneration or arthritis

  • Post-injury assessment


2. Which body parts can you scan at the Pain Relief Clinic?

The Pain Relief Clinic offers MRI scans for multiple areas of the body, including:

  • Knee MRI – to assess ligament injuries, meniscus tears, cartilage wear, and bursitis.

  • Neck MRI – for disc herniation, spinal stenosis, nerve compression, or chronic neck pain.

  • Back MRI – including lumbar and thoracic spine, for sciatica, disc degeneration, or chronic back pain.

  • Shoulder MRI – to detect rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, and arthritis.

  • Ankle MRI – for ligament sprains, Achilles tendon injuries, or joint instability.

  • Foot MRI – for plantar fascia issues, tendon injuries, or fractures.

  • Elbow MRI – for tendonitis, ligament injuries, and nerve compression.

  • Hand MRI – to identify ligament or tendon injuries, arthritis, or nerve problems.

  • Hip MRI – for labral tears, bursitis, or early osteoarthritis detection.


3. How is the Pain Relief Clinic pathway different?

Unlike traditional pathways where patients first see a specialist before MRI, the Pain Relief Clinic offers a cost-effective and fast pathway:

  1. Initial Clinic Consultation ($50)

    • Discuss your symptoms and decide which MRI scan is needed.

  2. MRI Scan ($950)

    • Appointments are often same-day or within one working day.

  3. Results Review & Next Steps

    • MRI images are reviewed by a specialist radiologist, and the clinic coordinates referrals to orthopaedic or other specialists if required.

This approach reduces costs, shortens waiting times, and provides integrated care.


4. How much does an MRI cost?

  • Consultation at Pain Relief Clinic: $50

  • MRI scan: $950 (depending on body part)

Total costs are generally lower than going directly through a private specialist, while still providing high-quality diagnostic imaging.


5. Can I use Medisave or insurance for MRI?

Yes. The Pain Relief Clinic supports Medisave claims, insurance coverage, and flexible payment options, helping to reduce out-of-pocket costs.


6. How fast can I get an MRI appointment?

Appointments are typically same-day or within one working day, which is much faster than public hospital wait times (weeks to months) and many private hospital imaging schedules.


7. Why choose Pain Relief Clinic for MRI?

  • Fast scheduling – same-day or next-working-day appointments.

  • Affordable – transparent pricing for consults and MRI scans.

  • Integrated care – imaging, radiologist reporting, and guidance in one place.

  • Comprehensive coverage – MRI scans for knee, neck, back, shoulder, ankle, foot, elbow, hand, and hip.

  • Specialist referrals – coordinated if surgery or specialist care is needed.

  • High-quality imaging – radiation-free and suitable for soft tissue, joints, and nerve assessment.


8. How do I book an MRI at the Pain Relief Clinic?

  • Schedule a $50 consultation online or by phone.

  • Discuss your symptoms and determine which MRI scan is appropriate.

  • Clinic arranges the MRI, usually within 1 working day.

  • Receive results review and guidance on next steps, including referrals if necessary.

CTA:

Book your MRI consultation today to get fast, affordable, and integrated imaging for knee, neck, back, shoulder, ankle, foot, elbow, hand, or hip pain.

Shoulder Pain With Normal X-rays: When Is an MRI Needed in Singapore?

Uncategorized | 2025 Dec

FAQ: MRI for Shoulder Pain With Normal X-rays

What does it mean to have shoulder pain with a normal X-ray?

This means shoulder pain persists even though X-rays do not show fractures, dislocation, or significant arthritis. X-rays mainly assess bones, but many shoulder problems involve tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and soft tissues, which are not visible on X-ray.


If my X-ray is normal, does that mean my shoulder is fine?

Not necessarily. A normal X-ray does not rule out:

  • Rotator cuff tears or tendinopathy

  • Labral tears

  • Bursitis

  • Tendon inflammation

  • Early joint or cartilage problems

MRI is often required to identify these conditions accurately.


When should an MRI be considered for shoulder pain?

An MRI is commonly considered when:

  • Shoulder pain persists beyond a few weeks

  • Pain keeps recurring

  • There is weakness or limited range of motion

  • Pain worsens with lifting or overhead activity

  • Night pain disrupts sleep

  • Physiotherapy or medication has not helped

  • X-rays do not explain symptoms


What can an MRI show that X-rays cannot?

MRI provides detailed imaging of:

  • Rotator cuff tendons

  • Shoulder labrum

  • Bursa and joint fluid

  • Muscles and ligaments

  • Bone marrow changes

This allows clinicians to identify the true source of shoulder pain.


Is MRI especially useful for sports or work-related shoulder pain?

Yes. MRI is particularly helpful when shoulder pain:

  • Started after sports, exercise, or lifting

  • Involves sudden pulling or overhead motion

  • Causes weakness or loss of confidence in the shoulder

MRI helps assess rotator cuff, labral, or tendon injuries accurately.


How long does it take to get a shoulder MRI in Singapore?

Waiting time depends on where you go:

  • Public hospitals:
    Non-urgent outpatient shoulder MRI scans may involve waiting weeks or more, depending on demand.

  • Private or clinic-based options:
    MRI scans are typically arranged much faster.

At The Pain Relief Clinic, shoulder MRI scans can typically be arranged within one working day, subject to clinical assessment.


How much does a shoulder MRI cost in Singapore?

Costs vary by provider and scan type:

  • Public hospitals:
    Lower out-of-pocket cost due to subsidies, but longer waiting times.

  • Private hospitals / imaging centres:
    Higher and often variable pricing.

  • The Pain Relief Clinic:

    • Clear upfront pricing, typically under S$1,000 for common outpatient shoulder MRI scans

    • Costs explained before proceeding, reducing financial uncertainty


Do I need to go to a separate imaging centre for the MRI?

In many cases, yes. Patients often need to:

  • See a doctor at one clinic

  • Travel to a separate imaging centre

  • Return later for review

At The Pain Relief Clinic:

  • MRI coordination is handled within the same clinic system

  • No off-site imaging travel

  • Faster review and smoother coordination


Can Medisave be used for shoulder MRI scans?

Yes. Medisave can be used for outpatient MRI scans, subject to prevailing outpatient diagnostic limits.

Patients can clarify:

  • Medisave eligibility

  • Expected out-of-pocket cost
    before proceeding.


Are insurance claims or instalment options available?

Depending on coverage, patients at The Pain Relief Clinic may access:

  • Insurance claim support (corporate and personal plans, subject to insurer rules)

  • Cashless arrangements where applicable

  • Interest-free instalment plans

  • Cash and card payments

This flexibility helps manage unexpected or prolonged shoulder issues.


What happens after the MRI?

After imaging:

  • Findings are reviewed alongside symptoms and examination

  • The cause of shoulder pain is explained clearly

  • Next steps may include targeted conservative care, monitoring, or referral if needed

Accurate imaging helps avoid unnecessary delays or ineffective treatments.


Key Takeaway

Shoulder pain with a normal X-ray is common and often involves soft-tissue injury. MRI frequently provides the clarity needed to guide appropriate care.

In Singapore:

  • Public hospitals offer subsidised scans but may involve waiting weeks or more

  • Private hospitals provide faster access with variable pricing

  • The Pain Relief Clinic offers a practical option with:

    • Clear upfront pricing under S$1,000

    • Fast MRI arrangement

    • No off-site imaging

    • Flexible payment options, including Medisave, insurance, cashless and instalments

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