How much does a PET cost in California?
PET/CT scan · CPT 78815 · State: California
In California, the typical insurer-negotiated price for a PET/CT scan is about $2,896, with most between $2,006 and $4,868 ($7,218 cash/self-pay). Based on 169 California hospitals — about the same as the national typical of $2,919. Hospital list charges run about $10,096 (3.5× higher).
Source: medians across 169 California hospitals' published price files (≥5 reporting). See the national PET/CT scan cost for the full picture. Estimates vary by hospital, insurer, and plan.
PET/CT scan cost in California — FAQs
How much does a PET/CT scan cost in California?
In California, the typical insurer-negotiated price for a PET/CT scan is about $2,896, with most between $2,006 and $4,868, based on 169 California hospitals. That's about the same as the national typical of $2,919.
How much does a PET/CT scan cost without insurance in California?
Cash or self-pay prices for a PET/CT scan in California run around $7,218. Hospitals often bill the higher "list" charge first (about $10,096), so ask for the cash or self-pay rate.
Why is my California hospital bill for a PET/CT scan so high?
California hospital "list" charges for a PET/CT scan run about $10,096 — roughly 3.5× the $2,896 insurers actually pay there. The list price is rarely what anyone pays; the negotiated and cash rates are the realistic benchmark.
Can I negotiate the cost of a PET/CT scan in California?
Yes. If a California hospital charged you well above the typical negotiated rate (about $2,896), that gap is negotiable. Upfronte audits your bill against real California hospital pricing data and negotiates it down on your behalf — no savings, no fee.
Charged more than $2,896 in California?
Upload your bill and Upfronte will check it against real California hospital prices and negotiate overcharges. No savings, no fee.
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