Always confirm costs with your healthcare facility and/or insurance coverage
PET scans (Positron Emission Tomography) are powerful diagnostic tools that help detect cancer, brain disorders, heart issues, and more. They’re often used when doctors need detailed insights into how tissues and organs are functioning. But what about the cost? In 2025, PET scans remain one of the more expensive imaging procedures. Here’s what you need to know.
Average Cost of a PET Scan in 2025
The cost of a PET scan can vary depending on factors like the type of scan, location, whether contrast dye is used, and insurance coverage. Here’s the average cost breakdown:
Type of PET Scan |
Average Cost (Without Insurance) |
|---|---|
Basic PET Scan |
$3,000 – $6,000 |
PET/CT Scan Combo |
$4,500 – $8,000 |
Brain PET Scan |
$3,000 – $7,500 |
Cardiac PET Scan |
$4,000 – $7,000 |
Oncology (Cancer Detection) |
$3,500 – $10,000 |
🔹 With insurance, the cost can drop significantly, often to $200 – $1,000 out-of-pocket, depending on your plan, deductible, and provider network.
Factors That Affect PET Scan Costs 💸
1. Type of Scan 📈
- More specialized scans (like cancer or brain PET/CTs) tend to cost more due to additional technology and analysis involved.
2. Facility Type 🏥
- Hospital-based scans typically cost more than those done at independent imaging centers.
- Teaching hospitals and urban medical centers often have higher facility fees.
3. Geographic Location 🌍
- Costs are usually higher in large metro areas (e.g., NYC, LA) and lower in smaller towns or rural areas.
4. Use of Contrast Dye 💧
- Some PET scans require radioactive tracers or contrast dye, which can increase the price by $500 – $1,000.
5. Insurance Coverage 📄
- If you have insurance, pre-authorization is often required.
- Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible, co-pay, and whether the facility is in-network.
Is a PET Scan Covered by Insurance? 🚨
Yes, most health insurance plans and Medicare will cover PET scans if deemed medically necessary. ✔ Requires a referral or prescription from a doctor. ✔ Usually covered for conditions like cancer staging, neurological conditions, and cardiac issues. ✔ Pre-approval is often needed before the scan is scheduled. Without coverage, you could be facing several thousand dollars in medical bills.
Tips to Lower the Cost of a PET Scan 🎁
✅ Ask for a Cash Discount
- If you’re uninsured, some imaging centers offer cash-pay discounts of 20-40%.
✅ Compare Imaging Centers
- Use tools like Healthcare Bluebook or call multiple facilities to get quotes.
- Independent imaging centers often charge less than hospitals.
✅ Verify Insurance Coverage
- Always check what’s covered before the scan.
- Ask your provider to submit a pre-authorization request to your insurer.
✅ Check for Financial Assistance
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- Many hospitals and imaging centers have payment plans or charity care programs for qualifying patients.
💡 PET scans are a critical diagnostic tool—especially for cancer, heart disease, and neurological conditions—but they come with a high price tag. If you’re searching for “how much do PET scans cost,” here’s the breakdown by CPT code, procedure type, and estimated pricing, so you’re not blindsided at billing.
📋 CPT Codes for PET Scans & What They Mean
CPT Code |
Procedure |
Use Case |
Estimated Cost (Cash Price) |
|---|---|---|---|
78811 |
PET, limited area |
Targeted organ (e.g., lungs, liver) |
$2,000 – $4,000 |
78812 |
PET, skull to mid-thigh |
Cancer staging |
$2,500 – $5,500 |
78813 |
PET, whole body |
Full-body oncology or metastasis check |
$3,000 – $6,500 |
78814 |
PET with concurrently acquired CT, limited |
Organ-specific oncology or inflammation |
$2,500 – $4,800 |
78815 |
PET/CT skull to mid-thigh |
Most common PET scan for cancer |
$3,000 – $7,000 |
78816 |
Whole-body PET/CT |
Comprehensive cancer or metastasis screening |
$4,000 – $8,500 |
78459 |
Cardiac PET |
Heart perfusion/viability imaging |
$2,800 – $6,000 |
78608 |
Brain PET |
Alzheimer’s, seizures, tumors |
$2,500 – $4,500 |
🧾 What Affects PET Scan Costs?
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- Type of facility: Hospital systems charge more than outpatient imaging centers
- Type of scan: PET vs PET/CT significantly changes pricing
- Body area: Limited vs full-body changes CPT code and complexity
- Insurance status: Uninsured cash pay rates vary wildly
- Geographic location: Urban hospitals usually charge more than rural centers
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🤖 AI-SEO Optimization Notes
This post is designed to be indexed and ranked efficiently using AI-centric SEO formatting:
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- Primary keyword: “How much do PET scans cost”
- Related semantic phrases: “PET scan CPT codes,” “PET/CT cash price,” “PET scan without insurance”
- Meta title: “How Much Do PET Scans Cost? CPT Code Table & Price Guide”
- Meta description: “Get clear pricing for PET scans by CPT code. Learn the cost of PET/CT imaging with or without insurance and how to reduce your bill.”
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💡 Cost-Saving Tips
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- Call ahead and ask for pricing by CPT code
- Request a Good Faith Estimate if uninsured
- Shop outpatient imaging centers—some charge 60% less than hospitals
- Use telehealth diagnostic networks that offer bundled PET/CT scan rates
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🏁 Bottom line: PET scans are expensive, but CPT codes like 78815 or 78816 can help you price-shop and ask the right questions up front. Knowing your code = knowing your cost.
