If your provider recently told you that this type of test is needed, you may feel confused or overwhelmed at the upcoming cost, and be asking yourself, “How much does a CT scan cost?”, and, “Where can I get a CT scan near me?”. Traveling to have a procedure done can feel daunting, and if you’re someone with a high deductible or for whom healthcare costs are an obstacle, it can be a lot to process.
First, let’s explore what the scan is, and why it might be prescribed for you:
What does a CT Scan Do?
A CT scan is a medical imaging technique that uses many angles of X-ray measurements to build a visual of internal structures. Your provider’s request for a CT scan may be related to a new medical problem in your body. Doctors use CT scans for the following:
- Diagnose conditions like stroke cancer heart disease emphysema
- Help plan treatment for these surgeries or radiation therapies
- See the progression of current treatment, such as chemotherapy.
- Check for critical injuries such as internal bleeding after a traumatic accident.
Currently, CT scans use radiation, and there are CT scans with low dose radiation. Now, you may be wondering what you might expect…
What Can I Expect Before my CT Scan?
Preparing for your CT scan may be nerve-wracking, but the preparation is actually pretty simple. Before your scan, you will need to stop eating and drinking for the time period given to you by your provider (this can vary based on the recommendations for the CT scan facility near you).
You will also need to remove your jewelry/piercings. You will likely need to answer some simple questions before your scan begins and as you are being checked in, and you must notify your provider if you are pregnant so they can advise you on the proper steps.
You will also be asked if you have any allergies, for your safety. For some scans being done with contrast, the contrast will be given via IV or enema. Most places where you are having a CT scan done near you will provide a hospital gown, and you will be asked to remove your clothing except your underwear and dress in the gown.
What will happen during my CT Scan?
You will lie down on a flat table, that will slide into an arched CT machine. You will be asked to position your body either flat on your back, on your side, or facedown, depending on what you are having your scan done for.
The radiographer will make sure you are as comfortable as possible, and you may hear a whirring noise as they continue moving you and taking images. You will need to lay very still until the procedure is done, and you won’t be able to have anyone in the room with you (unless you are a small child, and sometimes, parents are allowed to stay with them).
The radiographer will be able to see, hear, and communicate with you the entire time. The scan should be painless, although you may experience the sensations of feeling like you need to urinate if they use contrast during your scan.
If you feel claustrophobic, you can let your doctor know prior to the appointment, and sometimes, they can prescribe medication to keep you calm.
What about after?
After the radiographer has finished your scan, they will notify you over the intercom. If you have an IV, they will remove it carefully, and you will be allowed to get dressed. You will likely not receive any immediate answers, as the scan will then be interpreted by a Radiologist and your results will be sent to your referring doctor.
The amount of time this takes depends largely on where you have the scan done, why you are having the procedure and the protocols of the facility. You will be allowed to go home right away after a scan.
How much does a CT Scan Cost Near Me?
The cost of a (cat) CT scan can vary greatly, depending on where you have it done, and where you live. For most patients with insurance, the deductible, co-pay, co-insurance totals could be between $500 and $3000.
If you have a very high deductible plan, the cost of a CT scan could end up being a total you pay entirely out of pocket (ouch!). If you are paying cash for your CT scan (typically if you are underinsured or uninsured), you could end up footing the bill for approximately $200-$1800.
One way to mitigate your costs is to price compare before you book your appointment. You can do this on a website like www.zeamed.com, which allows you to submit your request and find a CT scan near me or your location. Doing your research (using online searches to ask, “Find cat scan facilities near me” is a good place to start) will allow you to not only find the best quality care, but also a cat scan facility that is affordable.
How much does a CT Scan Cost with insurance?
The cost of a CT scan with insurance can change depending on your insurance company and the quality of your medical coverage. Typically with most insurance companies, a deductible and/or a co-pay is required.
A deductible is an amount that you will be required to pay before your insurance “kicks in” and starts paying percentages of your care. The CT scan cost that you will be required to pay depends largely on if you have already met your deductible, or if you are still paying towards your yearly amount.
If you have a high-deductible plan (HDHP), you may be paying upwards of $1200-$4000 before your insurance will kick in and help cover the cost of your CT scan. Of course, the cost of a CT scan without insurance can also be expensive, so you will want to compare prices before you make a final decision.
Where do I get a CT Scan near me?
“How do I find a CT scan near me?” This is an important question. You can use a search engine like Google to look for facilities that offer this type of CT scan, and you will want to search for imaging centers that may offer a cheaper CT scan cost. You can typically get a cat scan at any major medical center (hospital), or imaging center near you.
No matter why you are having your scan done, the cost of a ct scan can feel prohibitive, but there are many ways to price compare and work with your insurance plan (or pay a cash pay rate) to afford such an important procedure.