How much does a PET scan cost?
How much does a PET scan cost?
$1,200 – $6,000 average cost at an imaging center (without insurance)
$4,000 – $18,000 average cost at a hospital (without insurance)
Average PET scan cost
A PET scan costs $1,200 to $6,000 at an imaging center or $4,000 to $18,000 at a hospital. The cost of a PET scan depends on the body area scanned, your insurance coverage, the facility type, and your location. Physicians use PET scans to diagnose and monitor cancer, heart disease, neurological diseases, and more.
| Body area | Average cost at an imaging center* |
Average cost at a hospital* |
|---|---|---|
| Brain | $1,200 – $4,500 | $4,000 – $10,900 |
| Heart / cardiac | $1,300 – $6,000 | $4,300 – $18,000 |
| Chest to neck | $1,200 – $4,800 | $5,000 – $11,500 |
| Skull to mid-thigh | $1,500 – $5,200 | $5,200 – $12,000 |
| Whole body | $1,600 – $5,600 | $5,500 – $12,200 |
*Prices without insurance
What affects the cost of a PET scan?
Several factors can influence the final cost of your PET scan:
Body area scanned: A full-body PET scan will generally cost more than a scan focused on a specific area like the brain. However, a heart PET scan may cost more if it involves a cardiac perfusion stress test. The amount of radioactive tracer used and the complexity of the scan also impact the cost.
Insurance: The out-of-pocket cost of a PET scan is usually much lower if you have health insurance. However, your total responsibility will depend on your specific plan, coverage, deductible, and copay.
In-network vs. out-of-network provider: Using an in-network imaging center costs less compared to an out-of-network provider. In-network providers negotiate rates with your insurance company, leading to lower charges.
Type of imaging facility: Hospitals often charge more than outpatient imaging centers due to the additional overhead costs.
Geographic location: Costs vary significantly by state and region. Imaging facilities in areas with a higher cost of living often charge more for PET scans.
Medicare and most private insurance plans cover PET scans. However, coverage amounts vary by plan.
What is a PET scan?
A PET scan, or positron emission tomography scan, is a type of imaging test that can detect certain biochemical activities in the body at the cellular level. The scan is a valuable diagnostic tool used to assess various health conditions.
The procedure involves injecting a small amount of a radioactive substance, known as a radiotracer, into the body. The PET machine's sensors detect this tracer as it collects in areas of higher chemical activity. The machine then uses these readings to create detailed 3D images of how organs and tissues are functioning.
What is a PET scan used for?
PET scans are frequently used to diagnose and evaluate cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders like Alzheimer's. Unlike other imaging tests like MRIs and CT scans, which primarily show anatomical structures, PET scans provide insight into how organs and tissues are functioning metabolically.
Physicians use PET scans for a variety of purposes, including:
Cancer detection and diagnosis: PET scans can help detect cancer by identifying areas with increased metabolic activity, which can be a sign of cancerous cells or tumors. They can also help determine the stage of cancer, including the extent of the disease's spread.
Evaluating heart function: PET scans can also assess blood flow and oxygen levels in the heart muscle. This information can help diagnose coronary artery disease or evaluate the effectiveness of heart treatment.
Brain function & neurological disorders: PET scans can study brain function by measuring how different areas of the brain use glucose. This can be helpful in diagnosing neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and dementia.
Monitoring treatment effectiveness: PET scans may be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for certain medical conditions, such as cancer, by tracking changes in metabolic activity after treatment initiation.
Other conditions: PET scans can also be helpful in diagnosing and monitoring other conditions, such as infections and autoimmune diseases.
What does a PET scan show?
A PET scan generates detailed 3D images showing areas of increased or decreased metabolic activity. These areas appear as brighter or dimmer spots on the image. Increased activity may indicate the presence of tumors, inflammation, or infection. Decreased activity can suggest reduced blood flow or cell death.
How long does a PET scan take?
The entire PET scan process takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the body area scanned. This includes the injection of the radioactive tracer and the time it takes for the tracer to accumulate in the body. The actual scanning time ranges from 20 to 40 minutes.
How long does it take to get PET scan results?
After the PET scan, a radiologist or nuclear medicine physician interprets the images and prepares a report detailing the results. Your doctor will typically receive these results within 1 to 3 business days.
How should I prepare for a PET scan?
Before your PET scan, your doctor may instruct you to:
Avoid strenuous activity for 24 to 48 hours before the scan.
Refrain from eating specific foods for 24 hours before the scan to minimize conflicting metabolic activity.
Refrain from eating or drinking anything for 4 to 6 hours prior to the scan.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of the scan, and leave jewelry and valuables at home.
Temporarily adjust your medication schedules, as some medications can interfere with the results.
What is the difference between a PET scan and a CT scan?
PET scans and CT scans are both imaging techniques used for medical diagnosis. However, they differ in their approach and the information they provide.
A PET scan measures metabolic activity in the body and identifies areas of abnormal activity.
A CT scan uses a series of X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body's anatomical structures, including bones, muscles, organs, and blood vessels.
In comparison to a PET scan, a CT scan costs $300 to $2,000 without insurance at an imaging facility or $500 to $7,000+ at a hospital.
A combined scan, also called a PET-CT scan, provides a more comprehensive picture by pairing the functional information from the PET scan with the detailed anatomy revealed by the CT scan. This allows doctors to locate and evaluate areas of concern like tumors or inflammation more precisely.
What to look for in an imaging facility
Follow these tips when choosing an imaging center for your PET scan:
Get a prescription or referral from your doctor.
Contact multiple imaging facilities for quotes.
Choose a facility with modern PET scan equipment to ensure accurate and high-quality images.
Confirm the facility is approved by the American College of Radiology and the radiologists and technicians on staff are registered or board-certified in PET scans.
Ask if the facility accepts your health insurance. If yes, confirm the facility is considered in-network on your insurance plan.
If you are uninsured, ask the facility about their discounted self-pay price.
Bring a copy of the prescription or contact the imaging facility before your appointment to confirm they've received a digitally transmitted copy.
Questions to ask imaging centers
Discuss the following points with your doctor to ensure you understand the need, process, and costs involved with getting a PET scan:
Is a PET scan necessary for my diagnosis?
Why do you recommend a PET scan over other tests?
What are the potential risks or side effects from the scan?
Which imaging facility do you recommend?
How should I prepare for the scan?
What should I expect during the PET scan procedure?
How long will it take to get the results?
What are the next steps after receiving the results?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.