Why Patients Choose DINW: Transparent Imaging Costs, Fair Pricing, and Compassionate Care

If you’ve ever had to schedule a medical imaging exam—like an MRI, CT scan, or X-ray—you know how confusing (and expensive) it can be. From surprise charges to insurance headaches, patients are often left asking the same question:

“Why does the same scan cost five times more depending on where I go?”

Spoiler alert: It doesn’t have to.

At Diagnostic Imaging Northwest (DINW), we believe patients deserve more than just high-quality imaging—they deserve straight answers, fair pricing, and care from people who actually care. Here’s what makes our approach different (and what to watch out for elsewhere).

Flat Rates vs. Full Transparency

You may see some imaging centers advertise a “flat rate” for certain procedures. While that can sound like a simple, all-in-one price, it’s important to ask: What exactly does that rate include?

In many cases, a flat rate may not reflect the total cost of care—especially if it doesn’t cover things like radiologist interpretation fees or facility-related charges. It’s not always clear up front, and that can lead to surprises later.

At Diagnostic Imaging Northwest, we take a different approach:
We use a global billing model which means you get one bill per visit that includes all imaging services performed at our facility. No mystery fees. No separate bills weeks later. Just a clear, complete picture of your costs from the start.

What you see is what you pay—with no guesswork involved.

If you have questions about costs, whether you’re using insurance or paying out of pocket, our team is here to help. For self-pay patients, we’re able to provide clear pricing upfront. If you’re using insurance, we can share our service fees, procedure codes (CPT), and tax ID, which you can use to check coverage and out-of-pocket costs directly with your insurance provider. While we can’t guarantee what your insurance will cover, we’re always happy to guide you through the process and provide as much clarity as possible.

Technology That Delivers. People Who Care.

We know that cost is important but so is quality.

That’s why DINW invests in advanced imaging technology that delivers precise, high-resolution results your provider can trust. But what really sets us apart is our team.

From the moment you walk in, you’ll be greeted by friendly, compassionate staff who treat you like a person, not a number. Whether you’re nervous about your first MRI or navigating a complicated billing situation, our team is here to guide you kindly and respectfully every step of the way.

Because getting a scan shouldn’t feel like going through a machine literally or figuratively.

True Cost Transparency (No Surprises)

Healthcare billing can feel like a black hole. Between insurance rules, copays, deductibles, and hidden fees, it’s no wonder patients feel lost.

That’s why transparency is built into our process:

• We offer insurance-based cost estimates before your exam
• If you’re uninsured, we provide a Good Faith Estimate so you’re never caught off guard
• Discounts for same-day payment and interest-free payment plans are available
• We’re upfront about what’s included, and more importantly, what’s not

Real Affordability. Not Just Buzzwords.

Here’s what cost-effective care actually looks like at DINW:

• Competitive pricing (seriously, check around!)
• No facility fees (because we’re not a hospital)
• 12-month, interest-free payment plans
• Paid-on-day discounts (40%!)
• Sliding-scale financial assistance for eligible patients
• Grant matching is available for qualified services, such as most MRI and CT scans, through our trusted regional healthcare partners. Some specialized procedures may not be eligible, but our team can help determine if your exam qualifies

All of this is designed to make sure you get the care you need without sacrificing your financial peace of mind.

Locally Based and Respected

Each scan at DINW is reviewed by a board-certified, subspecialized radiologist—someone with deep expertise in reading the specific type of exam you’re getting. Our locations throughout South Puget Sound make it easy to access top-tier care, close to home.

And with our partnerships with MultiCare Health System and other regional leaders, you’re never far from trusted, connected care.

Need Help with Billing or Estimates? Just Ask.

Whether you’re insured, uninsured, or somewhere in between, our team is here to help. We can walk you through your coverage, provide estimates, and help you apply for financial assistance if needed.

Financial Counselors: (253) 680-3485
Billing Help: 888-350-2006
Online Bill Pay: www.patientnotebook.com/diagnosticimaging

The Bottom Line

Where you choose to get your imaging done matters—not just for your health, but for your wallet, too.

At Diagnostic Imaging Northwest, we combine cutting-edge imaging, transparent pricing, and a team that treats you with kindness, respect, and compassion. It’s not just about being affordable—it’s about being human.

So the next time your provider recommends an MRI or CT scan, know that you have a choice. Make the one that puts patients first.

Choose DINW. Care that’s clear. Costs that make sense. People who care.

Ready for clear answers on imaging costs?
Call our Financial Counselors at (253) 680-3485 or visit our Billing Information page to explore your options.