A computed tomography (CT) scan is one of the essential procedures in diagnosing a health issue. Although prices for a CT scan range from $300 to $6,750 in the United States, the average cost is $3,275.
One of the factors that affect the price of your CT scan is where it is performed. Although hospitals and inpatient facilities are reliable and popular CT scan providers, you’ll often get more affordable rates at an outpatient center. The average cost is $525, which is also the target price for a CT scan, whether you have health insurance or not.
Here is a table of the average cost of a CT scan throughout the United States:
CT Scan Cost Averages Around the Country
Location Price Range
- New York, NY $550 – $1,400
- Los Angeles, $460 – $1,200
- Chicago, IL $550 – $1,450
- Miami, FL $500 – $1,300
- Dallas, TX $460 – $1,200
- Houston, TX $525 – $1,350
- Philadelphia, PA $525 – $1,350
- Atlanta, GA $550 – $1,400
- Washington, DC $525 – $1,350
Specific CT Scan Procedures and National Cost Averages
Procedure Price Range
- CT Bone Density Scan $300 – $3,800
- Brain $825 – $4,800
- CT Ear $350 – $7,700
- CT Maxillofacial (Sinus) $600 – $6,000
- CT Neck $1,000 – $7,600
- CT Spine and Neck $1,000 – $9,300
- Thoracic CT Scan – Thorax $1,050 – $7,800
- Chest $675 – $8,600
- CT Scan of Abdomen $1,750 – $9,500
- Lumbar Spine $750 – $10,200
- CT Pelvis Scan $1,700 – $10,200
- CT Shoulder, Arm, Wrist, Hand (CT Upper Extremity) $625 – $8,400
- CT Foot, Ankle, Leg, Hip (CT Lower Extremity) $650 – $11,200
- Heart CT Scan $625 – $12,700
- CT Angiography – Head $1,500 – $10,700
- CT Angiography – Neck $1,700 – $10,400
- CT Angiography – Chest $1,650 – $18,500
- CT Angiography – Abdomen $1,750 – $19,400
- CT Angiography – Pelvis $1,500 – $10,500
- CT Angiography – Shoulder, Arm, Wrist, Hand $650 – $10,100
- CT Angiography – Foot, Ankle, Leg, Hip $1,500 – $20,400
- CT Angiography – Aorta $1,750 – $13,600
The Factors that Affect a CT Scan Cost
Apart from the facility that offers the procedure, other factors affect the price of a CT scan. The cost varies between insurance providers, so whether or not you’re insured can have a massive impact on the price. If you are insured, the cost depends on your insurance coverage and if it covers CT scans. However, if you don’t have insurance, you’ll have to pay for the full cost out of your pocket.
The state and city you live in can also affect the cost of your CT scan. Rural areas with fewer facilities often have more expensive procedures, and cities packed with CT scan providers offer more affordable rates.
If your physician requests a CT scan with contrast, primarily when focusing on blood vessels and organs, you’ll likely incur a more expensive procedure. Contrast CT scans require a special dye called a contrast material, which may not be included in the total cost, so it’s best to ask beforehand. Needing additional CT parts may also affect how much you need to spend.
Any additional office visits may also make a CT scan more expensive. The physician may charge you a separate fee for the initial consultation and the follow-up appointment. If you want to have a more accurate overview of your expenses, it’s vital to ask if this is included in the total cost.
Opting for in-network providers for your CT scan may also offer you a lower rate. In-network providers are facilities or healthcare providers with a contracted rate with a health insurance business, which are often more affordable than out-of-pocket expenses. Out-of-network providers tend to be more expensive. However, this scheme does not apply to uninsured patients.
The Bottom Line
Knowing the cost of a CT scan is essential to financially preparing for the medical procedure. As it’s a necessary part of the diagnostic process, you’ll want to ensure that your insurance policy covers the cost. It also helps to know the CT scan costs in nearby cities or states, which will help you save money while seeking affordable medical procedures.
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