How much does a calcium score test cost?
How much does a calcium score test cost?
$50 – $400 average cost without insurance
$0 – $80 average cost with insurance
Average coronary calcium scan cost
A CT calcium score test costs $0 to $80 with insurance or $50 to $400 without insurance on average. This test helps doctors screen for plaque in the arteries or near the heart. Coronary artery calcium scan costs depend on your insurance coverage, location, facility type, and any additional tests.
| Coverage type | Average scan cost |
|---|---|
| Without insurance / self-pay | $50 – $400 |
| With insurance | $0 – $80 |
What is a calcium score test?
A calcium score test, or coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, is a CT scan that measures calcium buildup in the heart’s arteries. It detects plaque, which can narrow arteries and increase heart disease risk. The test helps assess your risk of heart attack and guides prevention or treatment.
During the scan, X-rays create detailed images of your coronary arteries. A computer calculates a calcium score based on the amount of calcium detected. A score of zero means low risk, while higher scores indicate more plaque and a greater risk of coronary artery disease. Doctors use this to tailor your care plan.
Who should get a coronary calcium scan?
A coronary calcium scan is ideal for adults aged 40 to 75 with intermediate or uncertain heart disease risk. It’s useful when traditional risk assessments don’t clearly indicate the need for preventive treatments like statins. Risk factors include family history, high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and inactivity.
The scan is not recommended for:
People at very low risk
Those without symptoms
Individuals already diagnosed with coronary artery disease or those who’ve had heart attacks or heart procedures
Always consult your healthcare provider to see if this test suits your health needs and whether your insurance will cover it. Pregnant patients should not get a CAC scan.
CAC test cost factors
Several factors can influence the cost of a calcium score test:
Location: States and cities vary in price for medical procedures and sometimes differ from hospital to hospital.
Type of facility: Hospitals typically have higher fees than smaller clinics or independent imaging centers.
Insurance coverage: Your out-of-pocket cost with insurance depends on your plan, co-pays, and deductible status. Many providers offer discounted cash rates for self-pay patients, which can be lower than insurance rates due to fewer administrative expenses and straightforward billing.
Test results: If your calcium score, which ranges from 0 to 300 or more, is high, your doctor may decide to run more tests or prescribe you medication.
Cash price: Some doctors or clinics may give a discount if you pay up front out-of-pocket instead of using insurance.
Benefits & risks
Many people discover heart disease only after a heart attack. A coronary calcium scan helps detect early heart disease, allowing you and your doctor to take preventive steps. These may include lifestyle changes—such as healthier eating, increased exercise, weight management, and quitting smoking—or starting medications for cholesterol or blood pressure.
A coronary calcium scan gives your doctor a clearer picture of your heart disease risk, especially if you have existing risk factors. Your scan results, combined with other health information, help guide decisions about preventive treatments like cholesterol-lowering medications or other strategies to reduce your risk.
However, the test has limitations. High scores can cause unnecessary worry or additional tests, especially in low-risk individuals, while low scores may provide false reassurance. There’s also a small risk from radiation exposure, so discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor to ensure the test is appropriate for you.
Calcium score test results
Based on the scan results, your doctor should be able to tell how much your arteries are potentially blocked or hardened. The following table shows how to interpret your calcium score:
| Score | Plaque burden |
|---|---|
| 0 | No evidence of calcified coronary plaque |
| 1 to 10 | Minimal |
| 11 to 100 | Mild |
| 101 to 300 | Moderate |
| 301+ | Severe |
Related medical costs
Depending on the reason for your calcium score test, your doctor may order additional tests as part of the diagnostic process. The following table shows the average cost of other common procedures or tests:
| Test type | Average cost per test (without insurance) |
|---|---|
| Blood work cost | $25 – $125 |
| X-ray cost | $100 – $400 |
| EKG cost | $100 – $5,000 |
| Stress test cost | $200 – $5,000 |
| MRI cost | $350 – $6,000+ |
| CT scan cost | $300 – $7,000+ |
| Echocardiogram cost | $500 – $3,000+ |
| PET scan cost | $1,200 – $18,000 |
Calcium score test FAQs
Do you have to fast before a calcium score test?
You do not need to fast before a calcium score test. You can eat and drink as usual, and you should take your prescribed medications as normal. However, you should avoid caffeine and tobacco for at least 4 hours before your appointment, as these can affect the accuracy of the scan.
There are no other special preparation requirements, and you can resume normal activities after the scan.
How is a calcium score test done?
A calcium score test is a quick, non-invasive procedure performed using a CT (computed tomography) scanner to detect calcium deposits in your heart’s arteries. You’ll lie on your back on a movable table, and a technician will place sticky electrodes on your chest to monitor your heart rate during the scan.
The table slides into the CT scanner. You’ll need to remain very still and may need to hold your breath for about 20 to 30 seconds while the machine takes detailed images of your heart. The entire process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.
How often should you have a calcium score test?
How often you should get a calcium score test depends on your initial score and risk factors. Guidelines suggest repeating every 3 to 5 years for normal or low scores to monitor changes. Very low or high scores usually don't need repeat scans.
How long does a calcium score test take?
A calcium score scan itself takes just a few minutes, but the entire appointment—including preparation and positioning—usually lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. After the test, you can return to your normal activities right away.
Does Medicare cover a calcium score test?
Most private insurers and Medicare do not cover the test as a preventive screening, citing a lack of evidence that it improves patient outcomes. However, if a doctor orders it as a diagnostic test due to a specific medical concern, some insurance plans—including Medicare Part B—may cover it.
Questions to ask your doctor
Ask your doctor these questions about calcium score tests and related issues:
Why are you recommending a calcium score test for me?
What are the benefits and limitations of this test for my situation?
Are there any risks or side effects I should know about?
How should I prepare for the test?
Will I need to stop any medications or avoid certain foods or drinks beforehand?
What will the test involve, and how long will it take?
How will you interpret my results, and what do different scores mean?
If my score is high or low, what are the next steps?
Could this test lead to additional procedures or treatments?
Will my insurance cover this test? If not, what will the out-of-pocket cost be?
Are there alternative tests that might be more appropriate for me?
Should I avoid this test if I am pregnant or have certain health conditions?
The content of this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or services. The information provided should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of health problems. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional for advice about any medical concerns.