Abdominal CT scans are one of the most commonly ordered imaging procedures and one of the easiest to overpay for. Rates in Tampa range from $250 to $2,800 depending on the facility and your insurer. When ordered as outpatient follow-up, you have a choice.
Abdomen vs. abdomen and pelvis is a billing distinction
Abdomen-only and abdomen-and-pelvis are different CPT codes at different price points. Many orders are written as "abdomen and pelvis" when only the abdomen is clinically relevant.
Confirm with your doctor exactly which region needs imaging. Unnecessary extension of the scan adds cost and radiation exposure.
Contrast adds to the bill and requires a clinical reason
CT with contrast requires IV dye and typically adds $200 to $500 to the facility fee. The contrast agent itself has a separate supply charge at some facilities.
For follow-up of a known cyst or mass, contrast is often necessary. For first-time evaluation of vague abdominal pain, non-contrast is often the starting point. Ask your doctor which protocol they specified on the order.
The hospital outpatient premium is biggest for CT
CT scans have the largest price gap between hospital outpatient departments and freestanding imaging centers. The equipment and scan quality are identical. The hospital charges more because of facility fees and overhead structures.
For non-urgent abdominal CT, a freestanding imaging center is almost always cheaper and equally appropriate.