Pacific Radiology Price List: CT, MRI & Scan Costs NZ

If you’ve been referred for an MRI or CT scan in New Zealand, you’ve probably stared at the gap between your GP’s request and your wallet — and wondered whether private imaging is worth it. Pacific Radiology operates from over a dozen locations across the country, yet their own fee schedule isn’t publicly listed online. This guide decodes what private radiology actually costs in NZ, based on official ACC price data and comparable provider rates.

Affiliated Provider: Southern Cross Health Insurance · Payment Options: Online bill pay available · Procedures Offered: MRI, CT, X-ray, Ultrasound · Funding Support: ACC covered treatments

Does Pacific Radiology do walk-ins?

Pacific Radiology clinics operate primarily on referral and appointment basis. Your GP or specialist typically initiates the imaging request, and the clinic then schedules your appointment based on urgency and availability.

Clinic locations across NZ

Pacific Radiology maintains locations in Christchurch, Wellington, Porirua, Ashburton, and Nelson — among other sites. The Nelson clinic at 105 Collingwood Street offers the broadest service range locally, including CT, MRI, pregnancy ultrasound, and immigration X-rays (Pacific Radiology Official). While walk-in availability isn’t guaranteed across all sites, calling ahead allows you to confirm same-day options for urgent cases.

How much would a CT scan cost privately?

Pacific Radiology doesn’t publicly publish a fee schedule, but comparable private providers offer a useful benchmark. River Radiology in Hamilton lists CT Chest at $862.50 and CT Abdomen/Pelvis at $1,110.00 — both fully ACC-funded for eligible patients (River Radiology). For non-ACC patients without insurance, these figures represent the full private cost.

Private CT scan pricing factors

ACC regulates what radiologists can charge for injury-related imaging under its Cost of Treatment Regulations. A chest and thoracic cage X-ray (code RD15) costs $437.94 excluding GST, or $503.63 including GST (ACC). These regulated rates apply to any ACC-approved scan regardless of which provider you use — but private scans outside ACC coverage fall entirely on the patient.

What’s cheaper, an MRI or a CT scan?

CT scans are consistently cheaper than MRI across New Zealand private providers. At River Radiology, CT procedures range from $862.50 (CT Chest) to $1,225.00 (CT Chest/Abdomen/Pelvis) (River Radiology). MRI procedures start at $1,148.00 (MRCP) and climb to $2,111.50 for complex scans like MRI Head and Neck or Arthrogram (River Radiology).

Cost comparison overview

The pricing gap between modalities reflects capability differences, not just equipment cost.

The implication: if your condition allows either modality, choosing CT saves $700–$800 per scan.

Uses and risks

CT scans use ionizing radiation, making them unsuitable for repeated imaging — especially in sensitive populations. MRI uses no radiation and provides superior soft-tissue detail, particularly for brain, spine, and joint injuries. However, MRI takes longer (30–60 minutes vs. 5–15 minutes for CT) and costs more. The choice often comes down to clinical necessity rather than price alone.

Is it worth paying for a private MRI scan?

The answer depends on your funding situation. ACC HIGHTEC fully funds MRI for approved injury claims — meaning eligible patients pay nothing out of pocket (River Radiology). For patients without ACC coverage or private insurance, the $1,500–$2,100 price tag for a private MRI is substantial — but often cheaper than delaying diagnosis and allowing a condition to worsen.

Private scan benefits

The clearest advantage of private imaging is speed. Public hospital radiology wait times can stretch weeks or months for non-urgent MRI. Private providers like Pacific Radiology typically schedule within days. If you’re in pain or facing a time-sensitive diagnosis, paying privately could mean starting treatment weeks earlier.

Insurance and Southern Cross considerations

Pacific Radiology is an affiliated provider with Southern Cross Health Insurance, which means pre-approved scans are billed directly — reducing upfront costs for policyholders (Healthpoint NZ health directory). If you have health insurance, checking your policy for imaging coverage before booking is essential. Some insurers cap imaging reimbursement at specific amounts, potentially leaving a gap.

How long does it take to get results from Pacific radiology?

Pacific Radiology provides imaging results through the MyImaging Portal, an online system letting patients access their scan reports and images directly (Pacific Radiology Official). Most routine scans generate reports within 2–5 business days, depending on urgency level and radiologist workload.

MyImaging Portal access

After your scan, the imaging center uploads results to your secure patient portal. You’ll receive login credentials via email or during check-in. From there, you can download PDF reports and view DICOM images — often before your referring doctor has had time to call you back. This direct access helps you prepare questions for your follow-up appointment and reduces anxiety around waiting.

Pacific Radiology vs. River Radiology: A Comparison

River Radiology and Pacific Radiology represent two different ends of New Zealand’s private radiology market. Pacific is the largest national provider; River serves Hamilton and the Waikato region with transparent, publicly listed pricing. Three procedure categories reveal the pricing landscape.

The pattern: River’s published rates give you a negotiating baseline when calling Pacific Radiology for quotes.

Imaging Costs at a Glance: ACC-Regulated and Comparable Private Rates

Three imaging modalities, 13 price points, and a consistent pattern: ACC funding eliminates patient costs for eligible scans, while uninsured private patients face full price exposure ranging from $338 to $2,111 per procedure.

The implication: for non-ACC patients, ultrasound is the most affordable entry point at $355–$530 per scan.

“ACC radiologist treatment costs are regulated under Cost of Treatment Regulations to ensure consistent, fair pricing across all providers.” — ACC (New Zealand’s accident compensation regulator)

“Pacific Radiology is New Zealand’s largest leading private radiology provider, dedicated to making world-class radiology services accessible to our local communities.” — Healthpoint (NZ health directory)

What to Make of All This

Pacific Radiology occupies a unique position in New Zealand healthcare — a dominant national provider with a broad service range and deep insurance affiliations, yet one that keeps its pricing opaque. For ACC-covered patients, this opacity barely matters: regulated rates cap costs at zero for eligible injuries. For uninsured private patients, the lack of published pricing means phone calls before booking, and potentially unpleasant surprises at billing time.

The broader pattern from comparable providers like River Radiology suggests MRI scans typically run $1,150–$2,100 per procedure, while CT scans fall in the $800–$1,200 range. Ultrasound sits cheapest at $340–$530. Insurance holders with Southern Cross affiliations should confirm pre-approval, and Gold Card holders should always ask about the 10% discount some providers offer.

For New Zealand patients, the calculus is straightforward: if your injury qualifies for ACC, you likely pay nothing. If you’re paying privately, shop around — River Radiology’s published rates give you a solid negotiating baseline when calling Pacific Radiology for quotes.

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Frequently asked questions