How to Negotiate CT Scan Costs

CT scan pricing is one of the widest ranges in medical imaging. Hospital outpatient departments charge $1,200-3,200 for common CT scans, while Medicare pays just $310. Outpatient imaging centers charge $250-700 for the same scans. This pricing disparity means there is significant room for negotiation.

When reviewing your CT scan bill, check whether the technical component (performing the scan) and the professional component (the radiologist interpretation) are billed separately. If so, ensure the combined total does not exceed what the full scan should cost. Also verify that you were not charged for contrast material if your scan was done without it.

If the CT scan was ordered as part of an ER visit, check whether the imaging charges are bundled into the ER facility fee or billed separately. Double billing between the ER and the radiology department is a common source of overcharges.

BillDelete negotiation letters reference the specific CPT codes used for your CT scan and compare your charges against both Medicare rates and fair market prices for your geographic area. This data-driven approach is far more effective than simply asking for a discount.