An abdominal ultrasound is a safe, fast, and non-invasive procedure. It also has one of the widest price spreads of any imaging procedure relative to its complexity. Rates in Tampa range from $150 to $2,500 for the same scan billed to the same insurer.
Complete vs. limited ultrasound is a meaningful distinction
A complete abdominal ultrasound (CPT 76700) evaluates the liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, and aorta. A limited ultrasound (CPT 76705) evaluates a specific organ or area.
Your doctor's order should specify which type. If your symptoms are localized, a limited study may be appropriate and is less expensive. Ask your doctor whether a complete or limited study is indicated for your situation.
Freestanding imaging centers are the right choice for elective ultrasounds
Abdominal ultrasounds are performed by sonographers and read by radiologists. The equipment and training requirements are the same at a freestanding imaging center as at a hospital.
For non-urgent gallbladder evaluation, kidney stone follow-up, or mass characterization, there is no clinical reason to use a hospital outpatient department. Freestanding imaging centers in Tampa typically charge $150 to $400 for the same study.
The radiologist reads it and bills separately
The facility charges for the scan. The radiologist charges to interpret it. Two bills.
At freestanding imaging centers, the interpretation is often included in the quoted rate or the radiologist group is reliably in-network. Verify before you go.