CT Scan Cost in Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX

How much does a ct scan cost without insurance in Beaumont-Port Arthur?

Cash prices for CT abdomen and pelvis scans without contrast range from $513.48 at CHRISTUS SE Texas Jasper to $1,731.80 at CHRISTUS Health Palestine. With contrast, cash prices range from $756.69 at three CHRISTUS locations to $2,298.40 at CHRISTUS Health Palestine. The overall cash price range spans $513.48 to $2,298.40 across all facilities and scan types. Scans with contrast cost $243 to $536 more than without contrast, depending on the hospital. These facility fees cover the hospital's charges for equipment, staff, and room usage but are separate from the radiologist's professional fee for interpreting the images, which is billed separately.

Why is the gross charge so much higher than the cash price?

The gross charge represents the hospital's official list price, also called the chargemaster price, but almost no patients actually pay this amount. Most CHRISTUS facilities discount their gross charges by 67% for cash-paying patients, making a $1,811 gross charge become a $597.63 cash price. CHRISTUS Health Palestine offers a smaller 80% discount, so their $8,659 gross charge becomes $1,731.80 cash. The gross charge serves as a starting point for calculating various discounted rates for different payers, but insurance companies, Medicare, Medicaid, and cash-paying patients all receive substantial discounts from this published rate.

Does insurance cover a ct scan?

Insurance coverage for CT scans depends on your specific plan and whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary by your physician. Negotiated rates between insurers and hospitals vary significantly, with rates ranging from $121.06 for some Medicare Advantage plans to $2,702.15 for certain PPO plans. Many insurance plans require prior authorization for non-emergency CT scans. Patients with high-deductible health plans who have not yet met their annual deductible will typically pay the negotiated insurance rate, not the higher gross charge. Contact your insurance company to verify coverage, copayment amounts, and any prior authorization requirements before scheduling your scan.

Are there additional fees beyond the ct scan facility charge?

Yes, the facility charges shown here cover only the hospital's fees for equipment, staff, and room usage. A separate professional fee is billed by the radiologist who interprets your CT scan images and provides a written report to your physician. This radiologist reading fee is not included in the facility charges and varies by provider. If your CT scan is performed in an emergency department setting, additional emergency room facility fees will apply beyond the imaging charges. Some patients may also receive bills for contrast materials or other supplies, depending on the hospital's billing practices, though most facilities include basic supplies in their published facility fees.