What Influences the Cost of a CT Abdomen Scan?

A CT scan of the abdomen is used to see the organs, blood vessels, and bones in the abdomen. CT abdomen scans help doctors detect tumors and assess injuries. Your physician may order a CT scan of the abdomen to monitor any tumors or if you experience unexplained abdominal pain or your kidney/liver is not functioning properly. An abdominal CT scan is also performed to identify the cause of abdominal swelling. 

Procedure

Before starting the procedure, the doctor/technician asks the patient to change into a hospital gown and remove any jewelry, their belt and other metal objects that may interfere with the process, impacting image quality. The patient is asked to drink an oral contrast solution (in some cases, a contrast dye is administered intravenously) that improves image quality. After drinking the fluid, the patient is instructed to lie flat on their back on a motorized table. The table slides into the CT scanner that rotates around the patient, emitting X-rays to take images from multiple angles. The process takes around 10-30 minutes. Do not eat or drink anything for a few hours before an abdominal CT scan. If you are allergic to contrast die, let the healthcare know in advance. 

Factors that Affect the Cost of an Abdominal CT Scan 

CT abdomen scan cost can vary depending on the following factors 

Location of the Testing Center

Testing centers located in urban areas usually charge more than imaging centers located in rural areas. Facility type can also affect the cost of an abdominal CT scan (hospitals generally charge more than independent testing centers).

Type of CT Scan

The cost of an abdominal CT scan can go up if the healthcare provider uses contrast dye or an advanced scanner for 3D imaging.

Insurance Coverage

If you are insured, the cost of an abdominal CT scan depends on co-pays, deductibles, and insurance coverage. Uninsured patients usually pay more than insured patients for a CT scan of the abdomen (though some testing centers may offer a discount to uninsured patients who pay upfront). Patients who select a non-network hospital or testing center may incur substantial out-of-pocket costs.

Additional Fees

A radiologist may charge a fee for preparing your test report and interpreting test results. Some testing centers charge an additional facility fee. If you want to have a CT scan done on short notice, expect to spend more.

Pre-scan Requirements

If you get a kidney function test or any other test done before an abdominal CT scan, your costs can go up. In case you have trouble lying still or are claustrophobic, sedation may be required (which can increase the overall cost of the scan). 

Other Factors

A hospital or testing center may have to use special equipment to capture images of a larger patient's abdomen (also, the scan may take longer) and will charge more. If you have a complex health condition, the healthcare provider may have to take several precautions or use a special technique and may charge higher fees.

Choosing the Right Testing or Diagnostic Center

While CT abdomen scan cost is an important factor to consider when selecting a testing center, do not make the final decision solely on the basis of cost. Assess different testing centers and choose the center that uses advanced imaging equipment. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right testing center

• Accreditation- Look for a NABL accredited testing center.

• Reputation- Before selecting a center, go to the provider’s social media profiles to check what people are talking about them. Read customer reviews and testimonials on third-party review sites.

• Location- Consider a testing center located close to your home or office.

• Provider’s team- Make sure the testing center you are considering has a team of experienced radiologists.

Janta X-Ray Clinic Pvt. Ltd. is a reliable diagnostic center in Delhi. We use advanced imaging equipment designed to capture detailed images of internal organs. To schedule an MRI scan, call 011-4911-4911.