How Much Does a CT (CAT) Scan Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

A CAT scan, also referred to as a CT SCAN, is a noninvasive medical test that will help your doctor diagnose and treat certain medical conditions such as cancer, infections, trauma, musculoskeletal disorders and cardiovascular disease.  These scans can also help a physician when performing a biopsy.

CT Scan by frankieleon, on Flickr
CT Scan” (CC BY 2.0) by frankieleon

How much does a CAT scan cost?

On average, a CAT scan cost anywhere from $300 to $2,500 depending on the body part being examined, if dye is required and the urgency of the procedure.  A lower end scan that doesn’t use a dye is going to cost less than a full scan that includes multiple images and dye.

The price is going to rise for each additional body part that is scanned.  For example, if you need to have four to six body parts scanned, such as the pelvis, abdomen, and chest, the price can be in the $3,600 to $6,500 range.  This would be the price for those who don’t have insurance.

Check with your insurance company to see if they will cover a procedure such as this.  As long as it’s deemed medically necessary, the insurance company will more than likely cover it.

Health.com says $146 is a fair price for a CT to measure calcium deposits in your coronary arteries and $1,418 for a whole-body PET (positron emission tomography) scan with CT imaging.

Geographical LocationAverage Price
Atlanta, GA$1,700 to $2,000
Chicago, IL$1,800 to $2,100
Dallas, TX$1,400 to $1,700
Houston, TX$1,500 to $1,800
Los Angeles, CA$1,600 to $1,900
Miami, FL$1,500 to $1,800
New York, NY$1,900 to $2,300
Philadelphia, PA$1,800 to $2,100
Phoenix, AZ$1,400 to $1,700

We went ahead and researched a few hospital charges throughout the United States and came up with the costs per body part noted below.

Body PartContrast?Price Average
AbdomenNo$590
AbdomenYes$1,100
Abdomen and PelvisNo$550
Abdomen and PelvisYes$960
ChestNo$600
ChestYes$1,100
Exterior LowerYes$1,300
Exterior LowerNo$750
Facial BonesNo$500
Facial BonesYes$850
Head and BrainYes$750
Head and BrainNo$350
Lower SpineYes$380
Lower SpineNo$700
NeckNo$350
NeckYes$750
PelvisYes$700
PelvisNo$400
SpineNo$600
SpineYes$1,100

Factors that affect the cost:

The number of body parts

The number of body parts that need to be examined can heavily increase the price.

Dye injection

If dye or contrast is involved, plan on spending additional money.

The location

A CAT scan can be done in two different places.  These places include a hospital or outpatient imaging center.  Hospitals will generally cost more than an outpatient center.

Geographical location

Some areas will have more hospitals than others.  Generally, the more hospitals there are, the more competition there will be.

CAT scan overview

A CAT scan will rapidly create pictures of the body allowing the doctors to diagnose problems such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and disorders.  If necessary, a dye is used if they want to further enhance the images of the scan.  This dye will either be injected with a thin prick or if available, it can be swallowed as well.

During the procedure, you may be asked to change into a gown.  Once in the facility, the patient will receive a contrast agent that enhances the images of the blood vessels if required, and once the contrasting agent has been admitted, the patient will be asked to lay flat on a scanner bed.  Next, the table will move into position so the specific area can be scanned.   Depending on how many scans are needed, the machine may pass multiple times.

The procedure should take no more than 45 minutes.  Once completed, results will come within 24 to 48 hours after a radiologist studies the results.

Some hospitals or diagnostic centers include a copy of the films or a CD of the images once the scan has been performed.

What are the extra costs?

Prior to a CAT scan procedure, it is ideally required to have a physician check-up in order to get a prescription and prior explanation regarding the procedure and assessment.

The use of contrast or dye will also cause you to spend more than the usual CAT scan procedure.

During the procedure, the patient may feel nervous or manifest symptoms of claustrophobia that will require the healthcare team to administer medicine for relaxation.

IVs and medication can be prescribed, depending on the patient and the circumstances.

Hospitals are going to cost more than a local clinic, so be sure to shop around before choosing a hospital.

A copy of the film as well as the CD of the MRI are going to more than likely cost extra.  Depending on the  hospital and/or clinic, this may be included.

If the procedure is cancelled within 24 hours, a heavy fee can be applied.  Due to the nature of setting of these machines, most hospitals don’t have the choice but to bill you this late fee.

A cancellation fee can apply if you were to cancel within 48 hours.  Depending on the hospital, this could be as high as $500.

Tips to know:

Doctors will recommend that you limit your drinking before the CT scan, and it’s also recommended that you watch the sugar intake prior to the scan.  Try to leave all metal jewelry at home as this can affect the scan.

If any medications are taken, the facility will more than likely want to know about them.  Be sure to provide them with a list of all medications taken.

When getting a CAT scan, make sure that you know what’s going to be covered.  If possible, get everything in writing.

When the CAT scan is completed, will it come with additional images?

How can I save money?

You need to compare the prices of one facility from another in order to get the best possible price for the procedure.  Since this is a very common procedure, most hospitals should be able to offer a price over the phone.  Highly consider a freestanding facility instead of a hospital as these will be much cheaper.

Verify with your insurance company if your chosen facility for the CAT scan procedure is covered.  When choosing a provider, always make sure they are in network.  Medicare and Medicaid should cover the procedure if deemed medically necessary.  For example, Part B will cover diagnostic non-laboratory tests, including CT scans, but the price will vary for those under Part A.

Consider paying with cash if you don’t have an insurance policy.  Many hospitals will give up to a 70% discount if paying with cash.

Some hospitals may be able to setup payment plans for those who can’t pay in full.  If you meet certain income restrictions, hospitals may even waive a portion of the bill.


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Average Reported Cost: $6760.46

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0 %
Less Expensive $1 $1.5K $3K $5K $6.5K More Expensive $8k

How much did you spend?

Was it worth it?  

  1. Nancy (Albany,  New York) paid $2000 and said:

    Was it worth it? Yes

  2. Brian Lopes (Sacramento,  California) paid $8200 and said:

    Abdominal and pelvic CT scan in the Emergency Dept. at Methodist Hospital in Sacramento, CA. 3.5 hours in Emergency total bill was $17,508.00. I was just dehydrated. Is this supposed to be affordable? I know damn well that insurance companies do not pay these over inflated prices. This is beyond absurd

    Was it worth it? Yes

  3. Carmen (Miami,Florida,  Florida) paid $6883 and said:

    Six hours in emergency at West Baptist Hospital in the waiting area for 4.CT scan of abdominal-pelvic w/o contrast less than 10 minutes.This is ridiculous.Previously went to a private place and paid 250.00 for the same scan with contrast.Unbelievable.They were more professional than the hospital itself plus gave me my scans.The hospital nothing.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  4. Beth (Seymour,  Indiana) paid $ and said:

    An abdominal cat scan to diagnose a kidney stone. Done in hospital through the ER. No contrast used. This was just the price of the scan. Total ER bill cost me $4200 for 3 1/2 hours.That is $1200/hour. So much for affordable health care. I pay the full shot, because since 2009 my deductible has gone up from $200/yr to $5500/yr. I appreciate the care, but there has to be a better answer. It’s time to repeal Obamacare.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  5. John (Kansas city,  Missouri) paid $25000 and said:

    25,000

    Was it worth it? Yes

  6. Molly (Las Vegas,  Nevada) paid $96 and said:

    CT Scan Head (brain) no contrast paid in cash. $96! at SimonMed Imaging.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  7. Bob (Springfield,  Oregon) paid $5116 and said:

    Done at the ER, abdomen and pelvis without contrast for a kidney stone. Turned out to be totally unnecessary, and would have declined it if informed ahead of time of the cost.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  8. Cornell (Raleigh,  North Carolina) paid $1500 and said:

    Went to hospital today to fulfill doctor’s order for a CT scan to check for kidney stone. They wanted the $1500 upfront. Me and my kidney stone walked right out the door. I have good insurance too. That’s just insane.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  9. Ray (Rockledge,  Florida) paid $11624 and said:

    No contrast. 120 second procedure. Complete robbery.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  10. Michael Allender (Indianapolis,  Indiana) paid $11079 and said:

    This is the amount billed at Community South Hospital, Indianapolis,Indiana. This is for CT Scan of sinus with contrast.

    Was it worth it? Yes

  11. R (Naples ,  Florida) paid $7888 and said:

    Can’t believe my bill for a ctscan requested during a visit to the er for abdominal pain. Found out I had a kidney stone…I don’t have insurance. Is this an ethical legal price?

    Was it worth it? Yes

  12. Rsn (Naples ,  Florida) paid $7800 and said:

    Can’t believe my bill for a ctscan requested during a visit to the er for abdominal pain. Found out I had a kidney stone…I don’t have insurance. Is this an ethical legal price? Total bill for 4 hours in ER is $16,000 and counting. I haven’t received the radiologist’s bill yet…

    Was it worth it? Yes

  13. Liz (Greenville ,  North Carolina) paid $700 and said:

    The $700 is what I owe after private insurance paid. To me, it seems criminal!

    Was it worth it? Yes

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