How Much Does a CT Scan Cost?

A CT scan can cost anywhere from $150 at a freestanding imaging center to over $3,000 at a hospital, depending on the body part scanned and whether contrast dye is used. According to CMS data, the CT head without contrast (CPT 70450) is the highest-volume CT scan, with over 4.7 million Medicare services per year and an average submitted charge of about $225. CT abdomen/pelvis with contrast (CPT 74177) — one of the most comprehensive diagnostic CTs — averages about $497, with 2.8 million services annually.

How Much Does a CT Scan Cost by Type?

CT scan pricing varies based on the body region, whether contrast is administered, and the complexity of the study. Here are the most commonly ordered CT scans and their typical costs from CMS data:

• CT head/brain without contrast (CPT 70450): The single most common CT scan, typically ordered in emergency departments for head trauma, stroke evaluation, and severe headaches. Over 4.7 million Medicare services per year with an average submitted charge of about $225. The high volume reflects its role as a first-line emergency imaging tool.
• CT abdomen & pelvis with contrast (CPT 74177): A comprehensive scan used to evaluate abdominal pain, suspected appendicitis, kidney stones, and cancer staging. Over 2.8 million Medicare services annually with an average submitted charge of about $497. This is often one of the more expensive routine CT scans.
• CT chest without contrast (CPT 71250): Used to evaluate lung nodules, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism screening, and chest trauma. Over 1.6 million Medicare services per year with an average submitted charge of about $276.
• CT abdomen without contrast (CPT 74176): A simpler abdominal scan often used for kidney stone detection, where contrast isn't needed. Typical submitted charges run $200–$400.
• CT cervical spine without contrast (CPT 72125): Commonly ordered after neck injuries or motor vehicle accidents. Typical submitted charges run $200–$350.

These submitted charges represent what providers bill. The Medicare-allowed amount — what Medicare actually pays — is significantly lower, typically 40–60% of the submitted charge. Private insurance negotiated rates generally fall somewhere between Medicare rates and the full submitted charge.

Why CT Scan Costs Vary So Much

The primary cost driver for CT scans is the facility type. Hospital outpatient departments charge facility fees that can inflate the total cost by 3–5x compared to a freestanding imaging center. A CT abdomen that costs $300–$500 at an independent center might be billed at $1,500–$3,000 at a hospital.

Other significant factors include:

• Emergency vs. scheduled: CT scans performed in an emergency department carry additional ED facility fees and often cannot be price-shopped. If the scan is non-urgent, scheduling it at an outpatient center can save substantially
• Contrast vs. no contrast: Adding IV contrast dye increases the cost by $100–$300 for the contrast material itself, plus additional professional charges for contrast administration and monitoring
• With & without contrast (dual phase): Some CT protocols require scanning both with and without contrast, essentially doubling the scan time and cost. These are typically the most expensive CT variants
• Geographic variation: CT scan prices vary significantly by region. Urban hospitals in high-cost markets can charge 2–3x more than facilities in lower-cost areas
• Multiple body regions: A CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis may be billed as two or three separate scans, each with its own professional and facility fee

With Insurance vs. Without Insurance

With insurance, your CT scan cost depends on your deductible and cost-sharing. If you haven't met your annual deductible, you'll pay the full negotiated rate, which can be $200–$1,500 depending on the scan and facility. After meeting your deductible, you'll typically owe 10–30% coinsurance. One exception: low-dose CT lung cancer screening (CPT 71271) is covered as preventive at $0 for qualifying patients aged 50–80 with a significant smoking history.

Without insurance, freestanding imaging centers are your best option. Many advertise transparent cash prices of $150–$500 for common CT scans — far less than the $1,000–$3,000+ that hospitals typically charge. Some centers even offer same-day or next-day scheduling with no referral required.

How to Lower Your CT Scan Cost

• Ask for the cash/self-pay price: If you haven't met your deductible, the cash price at a freestanding center may be less than your insurer's negotiated hospital rate
• Compare prices at freestanding imaging centers vs. hospitals: For non-emergency CT scans, an independent center can save you 60–80% compared to a hospital outpatient department
• Use our Medicare Rate Lookup tool as a benchmark: Medicare rates provide an objective baseline for what the CT scan should cost in your area
• Ask if the scan is truly necessary: Discuss with your doctor whether an ultrasound or other lower-cost imaging could answer the clinical question
• Verify the contrast protocol: If you were told you'd get a CT without contrast but your bill includes contrast charges, dispute them. Also check whether a "with and without" dual-phase scan was medically necessary
• Check for prior authorization: Many insurers require prior authorization for CT scans. Getting the scan without it could result in a denied claim
• Review for duplicate charges: If you had CT scans of multiple body regions, make sure you weren't billed for overlapping anatomy (e.g., separate chest and abdomen scans when a single chest/abdomen/pelvis was performed)

Want to check if your CT scan bill is fair? Use our Medicare Rate Lookup tool to see what Medicare pays for CT scans in your area, or upload your bill for a full analysis.

Where This Data Comes From

Cost data shown on this page comes from two public CMS datasets: the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (what Medicare reimburses) and the Medicare Provider Utilization & Payment Data (what providers actually charge, based on 100% of Medicare fee-for-service claims). The map above shows average submitted charges by state from the 2023 utilization dataset.

These figures represent Medicare data only and may not reflect prices for commercially insured or uninsured patients. Use our Medicare Rate Lookup tool to search for any procedure.