How much does a CT scan cost at the hospital? 2026 price file data
2026 list and cash prices for common CT scans (head, chest, abdomen and pelvis) at four hospitals, compared with Medicare rates of $106.81–$356.43.
Why CT scans show big markups
Imaging had some of the highest markups in our 2026 study. Medicare pays a hospital $106.81 for a CT without contrast, $179.20 with contrast, and $356.43 for a contrast abdomen-and-pelvis CT, while list prices often run into the thousands.
Head CT without contrast (70450)
NYU Langone Tisch $3,297.40 (30.9x Medicare), Duke $1,675 (15.7x), OHSU $1,537 (14.4x), UCHealth Yampa Valley $1,358 (12.7x). Medicare: $106.81.
Chest CT (71250, 71275)
Chest CT without contrast (71250): $1,012–$4,226.65 list vs $106.81. CT angiogram of the chest for blood clots (71275): $2,206–$6,662.39 list vs $179.20.
Abdomen and pelvis CT (74176, 74177)
Without contrast (74176): $2,075–$5,281.19 list vs $243.77. With contrast (74177): $2,422–$8,251.96 list vs $356.43. Posted cash prices for 74177 ranged from $1,546.29 to $2,689.70.
How to lower or check a CT charge
Check that you're billed for the contrast type you actually got (without, with, or without-then-with are different codes), that a scan wasn't billed twice, and that the radiologist's reading fee isn't duplicated on the facility bill. If you're uninsured, ask for the cash price; for scheduled scans, ask for a Good Faith Estimate first. Freestanding imaging centers are often far cheaper for non-emergency scans.
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How much is a CT scan without insurance?
At four hospitals we studied, a head CT without contrast was listed at $1,358–$3,297 and cash prices were $452–$1,222. Medicare pays $106.81.
Why is the CT charge different from the radiologist bill?
The hospital bills for the scan (facility) and the radiologist bills separately for reading it.
Can I dispute a CT scan charge?
Yes. Check the code, the contrast type and duplicates, and ask for a coding review or the cash price.
Educational information, not legal advice. Laws and deadlines change, so verify with official sources. More guides: How to dispute a medical bill · How to request an itemized medical bill (free letter template) · No Surprises Act dispute · Medical billing error checklist · Hospital charity care · ER bill too high? What to check and how to fight it · BillRebuttal vs. hiring a medical bill advocate · BillRebuttal vs. Dollar For · CPT 99285 cost · Hospital facility fees explained · How much do stitches cost at the ER? 2026 hospital price data · Hospital cash price vs list price