Why does a CT scan cost so much?
Asked by: Maxime Oberbrunner | Last update: August 14, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (43 votes)
Why is getting a CT scan so expensive?
The equipment and the software that runs it is very expensive. Maintenance and insurance are expensive. The tech who run the scanners must be paid. Tech training takes years and is costly.
Why are CT scan not covered by insurance?
Some insurance policies may cover all or only part of the cost of a CT scan if the CT scan has been specifically ordered by a medical professional; others may require pre-authorization before getting a CT scan. If it is an elective CT scan, the cost may need to be paid entirely out of pocket.
How much should I expect to pay for a CT scan?
Different types of CT scans cost between just over $200 to over $6,000 in Los Angeles, with an average price of almost $1,500. 6 The fair price would be about $557 for a brain CT with and without contrast or around $291 for a CT scan needed for a needle biopsy in the California area, according to Healthcare Bluebook.
What is the most expensive scan?
MRIs are more expensive than CT scans. Most insurance companies, however, will cover the bulk of any necessary imaging tests and only require patients to pay a copay or small portion of the exam. Without insurance, a CT scan cost will typically range from $500 to $3,000.
Viewer questions medical bill for CT scan, wonders why procedure is more expensive in Colorado
Can I get a CT scan without insurance?
Concisely, a CT scan might cost you an arm and a leg if you do not have insurance. On average, these scans vary between $300 to $5000, which may be too much for some of you. The price range is quite large, mainly because the cost greatly depends on several factors.
Are CT scans worth it?
The benefits of a CT scan, especially if it is being used to diagnose cancer or another serious condition in someone who has signs or symptoms of disease, greatly outweigh any potential health risks.
Which is cheaper an MRI or a CT scan?
Cost: CT scans are almost half the price of MRIs. The average computed tomography scan costs around $1,200 while an MRI is about $2,000. Speed: CT scans take much less time than MRIs.
Will Medicare pay for my CT scan?
Medicare Part B covers diagnostic non-laboratory tests (like CT scans, MRIs, EKGs, X-rays, and PET scans) when your doctor or other health care provider orders them as part of treating a medical problem...
Why would a CT scan be denied by insurance?
In some instances, a CT scan might be an excluded procedure under your health insurance policy, or you may have neglected to obtain the required pre-authorization. Other reasons a CT scan could be denied would be if your insurance company deemed the CT scan to be medically unnecessary.
Do you have to pay upfront for a CT scan?
Some plans may require you to pay upfront costs before the insurance pays — for instance, a copay or deductible. To make sure you receive the full benefit coverage, ask your insurance provider if: Your health plan covers imaging tests such as a CT scan. You are responsible for any copays, coinsurance, or deductibles.
Can I just go get a CT scan?
CT scans are a vital part of diagnosing health conditions that occur within the body. Most insurance companies require CT scan referrals from a licensed healthcare provider. Some imaging labs also require a referral before you can book an appointment. A referral validates the scan's necessity for the patient's health.
Why is CT so expensive?
Hartford, Connecticut, was ranked the most expensive city to live in thanks to its high housing costs, poor price parity and low incomes. How much you need to earn to live comfortably in Hartford depends on your household size and neighborhood. How Much Is My House Worth?
What is the most expensive medical test?
The tests/procedures with the highest expenditures were MRI (51% of total expenditures; $7.5 billion), EMG (20% of expenditures; $2.6 billion) and EEG (8% of expenditures; $1.1 billion). MRI, EMG, and EEG should receive close scrutiny in the development of the neurology top 5 list.
What are the cons of a CT scan?
Concerns about CT scans include the risks from exposure to ionizing radiation and possible reactions to the intravenous contrast agent, or dye, which may be used to improve visualization. The exposure to ionizing radiation may cause a small increase in a person's lifetime risk of developing cancer.
Why would a doctor order a CT scan instead of an MRI?
A CT scan may be recommended if a patient can't have an MRI. People with metal implants, pacemakers or other implanted devices shouldn't have an MRI due to the powerful magnet inside the machine. CT scans create images of bones and soft tissues.
How much does a radiologist charge to read a CT scan?
About NDI CT Reading Services
NDI provides CT scan reading services via teleradiology in all 50 states. Remote CT reading and diagnostic image interpretation service prices start at $40 per study dependent upon volume. NDI radiology reading fees start at $12 per study.
Do you go in a tunnel for a CT scan?
The CT scanner is a large machine with a hole, or tunnel, in the center. You will lie on a table that slides into and out of this donut-shaped hole or tunnel. Your caregiver will sit behind a window during the CT scan; however, your caregiver will be able to see, hear, and speak with you at all times.
Why don't doctors like to do CT scans?
CT scans' ionizing radiation can damage DNA and cause cancer. Scan overuse led to many national campaigns like Image Wisely, Image Gently and Choosing Wisely, which seek to educate patients and doctors about unnecessary tests, such as CT scans for headaches or back pain.
Is 2 CT scans in a year bad?
There is no recommended limit on how many computed tomography (CT) scans you can have. CT scans provide critical information. When a severely ill patient has undergone several CT exams, the exams were important for diagnosis and treatment.
What cancers can a CT scan detect?
- Colorectal cancer.
- Ovarian cancer.
- Kidney cancer.
- Stomach cancer.
- Bladder cancer.
- Pancreatic cancer.
- Cancer of the ureter.
- Melanoma.
Will urgent care do a CT scan?
Many urgent care centers are now equipped with a CT scanner, just like local emergency rooms. A CT scan uses a number of X-rays to create images of the inside of a patient's body.