How Much Does A CT Scan Cost?
There are a couple of factors that influence the cost of a CT scan. It can be frustrating for a patient when a CT scan’s cost varies when looking at different diagnostic imaging centers or scans you had previously in the past. The best way to understand the cost fluctuations is by familiarizing yourself with the drivers of the cost. Here is what you should know.
The Cost Breakdown Of A CT Scan
When you see the cost of a CT scan, you should understand that the cost is broken down into two parts. These two parts are the technical fees and professional fees. Technical fees are associated with the technology. These fees include the cost of the equipment and the maintenance of the equipment. The maintenance of CT scan equipment is important so that no delays or image quality drop-offs occur.
Professional fees are considered the cost of the people who carry out the scan and analyze the results. These fees include the wages of radiologists and technologists. Radiologists who sub-specialize in a particular area such as neuroradiology and the technologists who support them are critical to the process of any diagnostic imaging scan.
Lastly, there are indirect costs that are factored into the cost of a CT scan. These indirect costs are called overhead. Overhead fees refer to certain expenses such as the cost of the utility bills for the facility, lease expenses for the facility, and administrative efforts. Overhead fees are associated with the costs required to run the facility where the scan is being conducted.
What Is The Average Cost Of A CT Scan?
It can be quite difficult to pinpoint an average cost for a CT scan. The cost of a CT scan varies heavily based on the facility, location, and financial factors such as insurance coverage of an individual patient. Generally, you can expect to see the cost of a CT scan in the range of $270.00 – $5,000.
If you are trying to save money on your next scan, it is okay and encouraged to get quotes from a few different diagnostic imaging centers. You shouldn’t feel like you must take your doctor’s recommendation. The goal is to identify the best course of action for you. If cost is important, there are many options for you.
As your search begins, you may notice that university hospitals and research facilities may charge higher prices based on their name value alone. A CT scan is one of the most common types of diagnostic imaging scans around. A university hospital or research facility offers very few advantages over another diagnostic imaging facility in the realm of CT scans. Select the option that is affordable for you.
How Can South Jersey Radiology Help?
At South Jersey Radiology Associates (SJRA), our emphasis is placed on confidence, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. Our diagnostic imaging centers in South Jersey may cost up to 60% less than hospital-owned facilities. If you are interested in learning more about CT scans or scheduling an appointment, reach out to any of our following locations:
- Greentree Office – Marlton, NJ
- Haddonfield Office – Haddonfield, NJ
- Turnersville Office – Turnersville, NJ
- Voorhees Office – Voorhees Township, NJ
- Route 73 Office – Voorhees Township, NJ
- Washington Township Office – Sewell, NJ
- West Deptford Office – West Deptford, NJ
Learn more about the board-certified sub-specialized radiologists who read and interpret studies at SJRA here.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of a CT scan can vary greatly between different imaging centers and previous scans. The primary factors that influence cost are the technology used, equipment maintenance, labor cost of radiologists, and overhead expenses. Large hospitals and hospital-based imaging centers have higher costs due to lumping in costs of other departments including oncology and surgery into your bill.
The cost of a CT scan can be broken into two parts: technical fees and professional fees. Technical fees cover the cost of equipment and equipment maintenance. Professional fees cover the wages of the radiologists and technologists who conduct the scan and analyze the results.
There are indirect costs associated with a CT scan. Indirect costs, also known as overhead fees, include expenses like utility bills, facility lease expenses, and administrative efforts. These costs are necessary for running the imaging center but can vary based on the size of the health system. Generally, the larger the health system, the higher the overhead costs being passed through.
Determining the average cost is difficult as it varies based on numerous factors including the imaging center, location, insurance coverage, technology, and much more. The average cost of a CT scan ranges anywhere from $270.00 – $5,000.00.
It is recommended to obtain quotes from different diagnostic imaging centers before making an appointment. Many diagnostic imaging centers have good faith estimate policy that can provide a very accurate cost for their services.
Never feel obligated to go with your doctor's recommendation. As a patient, you always reserve the right to choose the imaging center that works best for you.
Large hospital and university-based health can charge higher prices based on their research reputation and to cover indirect costs of other departments including oncology and surgery. In many cases, independently owned, outpatient imaging centers offer more convenient and cost-effectiveness solutions with high quality results.
For over 80 years, South Jersey Radiology has been the leading outpatient imaging center of choice in the South Jersey and Philadelphia region. CT scans are offered across our 7 office locations with evening and weekend hours available to fit your schedule. All of our diagnostic imaging studies including CT scans may cost up to 60% less than hospital-owned centers. Reach out to any of the following locations to learn more: