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Trying to get costs of PET scans can be challenging. Even when you have the information, it's not clear what exactly you might be paying for. What is included? Does the price include the Radiology report? And what if you need additional testing? This post is one of a series of posts that look at costs of Radiology tests and will be a work in progress. I hope it sheds some light on what PET scan prices include and don't include...

Prices will vary from facility to facility

PET scan costs will vary in price even in the same town. Hospitals are generally more expensive and have less favorable cash fee schedules than their outpatient counterparts. Hospitals are also less likely to negotiate prices with you. Keep in mind though that there are few outpatient centers that can afford to own a PET/CT scanner, so you may find that in your area you are limited to one or two choices. This of course limits competition and keeps prices high.

Prices include the radioisotope and special images

PET and PET/CT scans are done with an injected radioisotope that is taken up by very active tisse such as cancer cells. The radioisotope is quite expensive and accounts for some of the high costs of PET scans. PET/CT scans also use special image processsing software that fuses the PET and CT scan images into one so that metabolic data from the PET part of the scan is overlayed onto the anatomic detail of the CT scan.

The Radiology report is included

PET scan costs include the official Radiologist interpretation. This includes comparing to older PET scans even if done at another hospital or imaging center. Your doctor receives a copy of the report.

Copies of the CD or films

Sometimes you'll be asked to take a CD or films of your PET scan to your doctor to review. Most facilities will give you a copy, if requested, free of charge.

Call back for additional images may not be included

You won't be charged for call backs if due to technical issues or if you were unable to complete the exam because of pain. However, if it is for "more testing", then yes, there will be additional costs.

Simplifying it for you...

You can use our website to look up the cost of an PET scan and purchase one with your credit card. Our prices include the test, the radioisotope, and the official report.

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