How much does a CT scan of the chest cost?

CT scan of the chest · CPT 71250 · A CT scan of the chest creates detailed images of the lungs, heart, and chest wall, used to evaluate breathing problems, infection, or abnormal X-rays.

The typical insurer-negotiated price for a CT scan of the chest is about $555, with most between $232 and $1,157 ($1,246 cash/self-pay). Based on published rates from 3,269 U.S. hospitals. Hospital list charges run about $2,244 — roughly 4× higher.

Insurer-negotiated
$555
typical · $232$1,157
Cash / self-pay
$1,246
typical cash price
Hospital list charge
$2,244
4× the negotiated rate

Source: medians across 3,269hospitals' machine-readable price files (required by federal law since 2021). Figures are estimates and vary by hospital, region, insurer, and plan.

CT scan of the chest cost — frequently asked questions

How much does a CT scan of the chest cost with insurance?

The typical insurer-negotiated rate for a CT scan of the chest is about $555, with most falling between $232 and $1,157, based on published rates from 3,269 U.S. hospitals. What you actually pay depends on your plan's deductible and coinsurance.

How much does a CT scan of the chest cost without insurance?

Cash or self-pay prices for a CT scan of the chest run around $1,246. Uninsured patients are often billed the much higher hospital "list" charge first (about $2,244), so it's worth asking for the cash or self-pay rate and negotiating.

Why is my hospital CT scan of the chest bill so much higher?

Hospital "list" (chargemaster) prices for a CT scan of the chest run about $2,244 — roughly 4× the $555 insurers actually pay. The list price is a starting point almost no one pays; the negotiated and cash rates are the realistic benchmark.

Can I negotiate the cost of a CT scan of the chest?

Yes. If you were charged well above the typical negotiated rate (about $555), that gap is negotiable. Upfronte audits your bill against real hospital pricing data and can negotiate it down on your behalf — no savings, no fee.

Were you charged more than $555?

Upload your bill and Upfronte will check it against real hospital pricing data and negotiate overcharges. No savings, no fee.

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CT scan of the chest cost by location

Median negotiated prices for specific states and metro areas.

Metro areas

States

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