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Does Medicare Cover CT Scans? Doctors use an array of tests, scans, and exams to diagnose a wide range of conditions. One of the most useful tools used to diagnose specific medical issues is the CT scan, or computerized tomography. It’s a reality of aging that, for most people, more and more things start going wrong. Me: Dear insurer, why is your copay on my plan $100 more than the self-pay rate for a CT scan? Them: We can only vouch for our negotiated rate. That's why I tell people, if self-pay is cheaper, don't use the insurance.
- Determine what a CAT Scan should cost
- Learn how cost reimbursement for a CAT Scan works
- Learn money saving tips when getting a CAT Scan
- Learn about CT (computed tomography) procedures
What is a CAT Scan or CT Scan?
A CAT scan (also called a CT scan) is a noninvasive, painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CAT scans allow physicians to rapidly create detailed pictures of the body allowing them to more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. CAT scans may also be used to guide surgeons to the right area during a biopsy. CAT scans are one of the more common imaging technologies used by physicians to analyze the internal structures of various parts of the body. There are approximately 52 million CAT scan test performed each year making this one of the more common imaging technologies used by the medical field.
What Does A CAT Scan Cost?
Not all hospitals and imaging centers charge the same amount for CAT scans. You have a choice of where you get your CT scan performed and you will most likely save a significant amount of money. By doing a little homework and shopping around you can save hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars. CAT scan procedure costs can range between $270 and $4,800. Costs are broken down into two areas:
Technical Fees: this is the cost of the CAT scan procedure itself and where there is a potential to save a considerable amount of money.
Professional Fees: : this is the fee associated with having the radiologist interpret the test result.
When you contact a testing facility make sure you identify the complete cost of the CAT scan because often all the additional fees and technical fees can add up and cause for a rather large bill.
Why do CAT scan cost vary so much?
CAT scan cost vary based upon the type of CAT scan you're getting (abdominal versus brain for example) as well as where you have the procedure performed. Similar to the price of a new automobile. Everyone knows that the 'sticker price' is just an asking price. There's a nice mark-up included in that price and often if you ask the dealer to come off that price they will. Medical procedures are often no different. Most hospitals and imaging centers have a 'sticker price' which are often on the high end. If you ask and work with most facilities they will often offer a substantial discount to individuals and insurance carriers due to the form of payment and the volume of procedures they pay for on an annual basis. There's more on this below so keep reading.
CAT Scan Costs Averages
As noted above, CAT Scan costs can vary by thousands of dollars and it's important that you shop around for your procedure. For example, listed below are some real examples or CAT Scan prices from around the United States.
| Testing Facility Location | Test Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | Cat Scan | $3,016 |
| Chicago, IL | Cat Scan | $2,237 |
| Atlanta, GA - Testing Facility A | Cat Scan | $698 |
| Atlanta, GA - Testing Facility B | Cat Scan | $2,214 |
| Phoenix, AZ | Cat Scan | $2,199 |
| Omaha, NE | Cat Scan | $1,611 |
| Portland, OR - Testing Facility A | Cat Scan | $1,520 |
| Portland, OR - Testing Facility B | Cat Scan | $678 |
| Cleveland, OH | Cat Scan | $1,075 |
Take Atlanta, GA for example. Facility A charges $698 for a CAT scan while Facility B charges $2,214. That's a $1,516 difference! There's nothing different about the procedure being done but there sure is a difference between he cost of Facility A and Facility B. Take the testing facilities in Portland, OR. It's very similar to the two CT scan facilities in Atlanta. Facility A charges $1,520 for the CT scan while Facility B only cost $678. Again, a huge difference in price. Amazingly these price discrepancies exist all over the United States. So, make sure you shop for your procedures and save money!
Cancellation Policies
New Choice Health - Medical Cost Comparison
Save Up to 40% on a CAT Scan!
Find and compare CAT Scan prices at local medical facilities with NewChoiceHealth
www.NewChoiceHealth.com
Most hospitals and imaging centers do not charge for appointments which are cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment or procedure. If you do cancel the procedure within 24 hours most facilities will charge you a cancellation fee of $100 to $750. These cost/fees are associated with lost income opportunity of having the CT scan machine in use during the scheduled appointment. If the machine is not being used for a procedure then it is just costing the imaging facility or hospital money. Therefore make sure that you do not cancel within 24 hours of appointment or just no-show because you will most likely be charged a cancellation fee which is not reimbursable by your insurance company.
Ct Scan Company
Payment Methods
In addition to accepting typical medical insurance reimbursement, most all hospitals and imaging centers accept the following payment methods; cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express credit cards. Most all testing facilities require any out-of-pocket deductible or co-payment be paid upon office visit. For uninsured customers, most testing facilities offer 15% - 40% discount when the full discounted amount is paid by cash or credit within 60 days of the procedure.
Costs Reimbursement - Insured Customers
Most insurance companies, including Medicare, will reimburse the cost of getting a CT scan. In most situations when a CT scan is requested by a medical professional the procedure is automatically determined to be reimbursable dependant upon your particular insurance plan. It's important that you are familiar with your insurance prior to having any procedure, especially expensive procedures, performed to know if there are any special notifications or authorizations that need to be secured to ensure reimbursement. Make sure you notify the imaging doctor or technician of your concerns or pre-certification prior to any elective tests or procedures. If pre-certification is required by our insurance carrier and you do not get such pre-certification this may result in full denial of your insurance claim. Medicare and other insurance coverage policies are always changing so it is important that you contact Medicare (www.mericare.gov) or your insurance company to determine coverage prior to having any procedure performed.
Costs Reimbursement - Uninsured Customers
If you do not have insurance you may qualify for a 15% - $40% discount if the discounted balance of the procedure cost is paid in full within 60 days of the procedure. Most facilities accept cash, cashiers checks, and Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards. Depending on your financial status and specific situation, a greater discount or charity may apply. In addition there may be other alternatives to working with the imaging centers for payment and/or procedure cost reimbursement.
Costs Reimbursement - Other Alternatives & Options
Ct Scan Copay Kaiser
If your financial situation presents a challenge for making full payment for a CAT scan procedure make sure you ask for assistance. Be honest and up front about your situation and work with the hospital or imaging center to determine the various alternatives to reducing the cost of the CAT scan or spreading out the cost to make it easier to manage with your current cash flow. Some possible payment options include:
Ct Scan Copay
Payment Plans: Hospitals and imaging centers often do not accept payment plans, but exceptions are often made in extreme financial hardship cases. So if the cost of a CAT scan puts you in a financially vulnerable position do not hesitate to ask for some type of payment plan.
Charity Care Qualifications: If your family income and assets are within 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, financial assistance may be provided. Imaging centers and hospitals often consider these on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the initial screening criteria the facility may need to review your federal income tax returns, current pay stubs, and/or denial of third party benefits.
Employees Group Benefit Program: If you are a participating employee in a Group Benefit Program at work, you and your employer can arrange to have the cost of your CAT scan paid for under the program by your employer's group insurance carrier on an 'extra-contractual' basis. The terms vary from plan to plan, but group benefit programs invariably provide for such 'extra-contractual' arrangements. The expense is tax-deductible to the employer so make sure you speak with your employer before you pay for your CAT scan.
Tax Credits : If you do end up having to pay for the cost of a CAT scan you may be eligible for a medical tax credit. Make sure you keep your paperwork and receipt and speak with an accountant. This may be very helpful for people who are retired and may save you hundreds of dollars in taxes.
CAT Scan Costs Rule of Thumb
Kaiser Ct Scan Cost Copay
- There are lots of CAT scan imaging facilities in each market and usually they all have much different prices. So, do your research and shop for the best price, you may save up to a thousand dollars!
- Hospital imaging facilities are usually priced higher than freestanding imaging centers.
- If you are uninsured or participate in a Health Savings Account make sure that you ask for the best possible CT scan rate. A facilities 'best price' is often much less than a facility's published 'price.'
How does a CAT Scan work?
New Choice Health - Medical Cost Comparison
Save Up to 40% on a CAT Scan!
Find and compare CAT Scan prices at local medical facilities with NewChoiceHealth
www.NewChoiceHealth.com
CAT scans use special x-ray equipment to produce multiple pictures of the inside of the body. Software joins the pictures together in cross-sectional views for detailed examination. CAT scans can be used to view internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels. These scans provide greater clarity than conventional x-ray exams. Often a special dye, called contrast, may be ingested to further enhance the scan images and the various structural relationships of the areas of interest. so that specific areas inside the body are highlighted. CT scans are often used to defining the structural relationships of the spin, the spinal cord, and its nerves. CT scans are also used in the chest to identify tumors, cysts, or infections that may be suspected on a chest x-ray. CT scans of the abdomen are extremely helpful in defining body organ anatomy, including visualizing the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, aorta, kidneys, uterus, and ovaries. CT scans in this area are used to verify the presence or absence of tumors, infection, abnormal anatomy, or changes of the body from trauma.
The information contained on this page is for information purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your physician on any medical conditions, diagnostic testing, or any general medical issue.