Chest CTs are ordered constantly for lung nodule follow-up, pulmonary embolism workups, and cancer screening. When ordered as an outpatient follow-up, they are entirely shoppable. The price difference in Tampa is up to $2,600 for the same scan.
Low-dose CT for lung cancer screening is different
Annual low-dose CT (LDCT) for lung cancer screening in high-risk patients is a preventive service covered at 100% under the ACA. It uses CPT 71250 and is typically done at facilities with lung cancer screening programs.
If your doctor ordered a regular chest CT for something else, that is not the screening code. Make sure you know which type was ordered before assuming it is covered without cost-sharing.
Pulmonary embolism protocol CT requires contrast
A CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) for suspected PE requires IV contrast and is a different procedure from a routine chest CT. It is also typically ordered urgently, which limits your ability to shop.
For routine follow-up of a known nodule or mass, contrast is often not required. Confirm which protocol your order specifies.
The imaging center vs. hospital price gap
Freestanding imaging centers in Tampa charge $300 to $700 for a chest CT. Hospital outpatient departments charge $800 to $2,800 for the same procedure.
For non-urgent follow-up imaging, asking your doctor to reroute the order to a freestanding center takes 60 seconds and can save you hundreds of dollars.