How Much Is A CT Scan Cost With and Without Insurance

CT Scan Cost With and Without Insurance

A CT scan (Computed Tomography scan) is a medical imaging test that takes many X-ray images from different angles to form a detailed, 3D picture of the inside of your body. Doctors often use CT scans to spot injuries, tumors, or other conditions. However, the cost of a CT scan can vary widely. In the United States, the average total charge for a CT scan is often listed around $3,000 or higher, but many patients only pay $300 to $800 out of pocket, especially if they have insurance or get the scan at an outpatient facility. Below, you’ll find current average CT scan costs by body part, typical CPT codes, and tips for reducing your bill.

What Is the Difference Between a CT Scan, X-ray, Ultrasound, and MRI?

Think of medical imaging like different ways to look inside a box:

• X-ray: Like shining a flashlight through the box. You see outlines of solid objects (bones).
• Ultrasound: Like tapping the box and listening for echoes. Great for seeing soft structures (babies in the womb, blood flow).
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Like feeling the box’s contents with a magnetic hand. Gives highly detailed pictures of organs and tissues, without radiation.
• CT (Computed Tomography) scan: Takes X-ray “slices” of the box from many angles, then combines them into a 3D image. It’s often used for detailed views of bones, organs, or blood vessels and is especially helpful in emergencies.

Doctors order a CT scan because it’s fast, detailed, and widely available. It’s especially helpful for diagnosing strokes, lung problems, injuries, and many other conditions.

How We Gathered This Cost Data

Below, you’ll find national averages and city-specific cost estimates. These figures come from a mix of:

• Actual patient bills for CT scans, aggregated by city or region.
• Medicare fee schedules and private insurance claims data.
• Provider data from imaging centers and hospital chargemasters.

Each table provides estimated out-of-pocket costs for uninsured or self-pay patients. If you have insurance, your final cost could be much lower, depending on copays and deductibles.

Average CT Scan Costs by CPT Code (National Averages)

CT scans are often billed under specific CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes. Each code corresponds to a certain type of CT scan (e.g., head without contrast, abdomen with contrast). Below is a broad range of common CT scan CPT codes and their approximate national average prices for self-pay patients. Actual charges vary by facility and region.

Sources:

• CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
• FAIR Health consumer data
• National hospital chargemasters

What This Means for You: If you’re paying out of pocket, look at the CPT code your doctor orders. Ask different imaging centers for the self-pay price under that code. The differences can be hundreds of dollars. If you have insurance, confirm the CPT code and make sure your scan is in-network for better coverage.