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How expensive is a brain scan?

Brain scans are expensive medical tests that allow doctors to see inside a patient’s brain. There are different types of brain scans that use various technologies to image the brain, and each scan has its own typical cost. In this article, we will look at the average costs of common brain scans like CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and MEG scans.

What are the different types of brain scans?

There are several main types of brain imaging tests:

CT scan (computerized tomography scan)

A CT scan uses X-rays and a computer to create cross-sectional images of the brain. It can show bleeding, tumors, blood clots, skull fractures, and other brain abnormalities. A CT scan is typically very fast, taking just 5-10 minutes.

MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging)

An MRI scan uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed 3D images of soft tissues like the brain. It excels at imaging the brain’s anatomy and finding small tumors, bleeding, and other abnormalities. An MRI scan usually takes 30-60 minutes.

PET scan (positron emission tomography)

A PET scan looks at metabolic activity in the brain by tracking a radioactive tracer injected into the body. It’s useful for seeing how blood flows through the brain and how actively certain areas are working. A PET scan session takes around 2 hours.

fMRI scan (functional MRI)

Functional MRI is a specialized type of MRI scan that tracks blood flow in the brain while the patient performs tasks to measure brain activity. It can identify which parts of the brain “light up” during different cognitive functions. An fMRI scan session takes 1-2 hours.

EEG scan (electroencephalogram)

An EEG detects electrical activity in the brain using small electrodes placed on the scalp. It is used to diagnose epilepsy and other brain disorders. An EEG test usually takes 1-2 hours.

MEG scan (magnetoencephalography)

A MEG scan measures magnetic fields produced by the brain’s electrical currents, providing very precise data on brain activity. However, MEG scanners are rare and only found at specialized research facilities. A MEG scan session takes 1-3 hours.

How much does a CT scan cost?

A CT scan of the head typically costs between $800-$1,500, depending on your location and the imaging facility.

Here are some typical CT scan costs without insurance:

Plain CT head scan $800 – $1,500
CT angiogram of head and neck blood vessels $1,000 – $1,800
CT perfusion scan $1,100 – $1,900

CT scans are one of the more affordable types of brain imaging tests. CT scans provide quick and clear images of structures in the brain like bleeding, fractures, tumors, and damage from head trauma. They are often used in emergency rooms.

Some factors that affect the price of a CT scan are:

  • Whether contrast dye is used – this costs extra
  • Whether multiple areas are scanned besides just the brain
  • The facility and its overhead costs
  • Your location and local healthcare costs

Without insurance, expect to pay around $1,000 or more for a head CT at an imaging center or hospital.

How much does an MRI scan cost?

An MRI scan of the brain costs between $1,000-$5,000 on average without insurance coverage. Here are typical MRI brain scan costs:

Standard brain MRI $1,000 – $3,000
Brain MRI with contrast dye $1,500 – $4,000
fMRI brain scan $2,000 – $5,000

MRI scans provide very detailed images of brain structures and abnormalities like tumors, bleeding, and strokes. But they are more expensive than CT scans.

Some additional factors impacting the price of an MRI include:

  • High-resolution imaging – costs more
  • Length of scan time
  • Whether functional MRI is done
  • Whether you get an MRI with or without contrast dye injection

Many patients pay $1,500-$3,000 or more for an out-of-pocket brain MRI at imaging centers. MRIs at hospital imaging departments tend to be more expensive.

How much does a PET scan cost?

PET scans range from $2,000 to $6,000 or more per scan without insurance. Here are typical PET scan costs:

Brain PET scan $2,500 – $4,500
PET scan of whole body $4,000 – $8,000

PET scans require injection of a radioactive tracer material into the body, which significantly raises the costs. PET scans provide functional images of the brain’s activity and blood flow. They are often used for cancer detection and evaluation of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Some factors impacting the price of PET scans include:

  • Whole body vs. localized scan – whole body is more expensive
  • Whether multiple scans are performed over time
  • Location and facility fees

Without insurance coverage, expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 for a complete PET scan of the brain.

How much does an EEG test cost?

An EEG test that measures your brain’s electrical activity costs between $500-$3,000 without insurance. Typical EEG costs include:

Routine EEG $500 – $1,000
Overnight or 24-hour EEG $1,500 – $2,500
Video EEG monitoring $2,000 – $3,000

EEG tests are affordable tests for detecting seizure disorders like epilepsy. Adding video recording or monitoring over an extended period raises the price.

Cost factors for EEG tests include:

  • Length of EEG recording time
  • Whether video monitoring is included
  • Whether a technician monitors the test remotely
  • Whether sedation is used for children

Without insurance, a standard 20-30 minute EEG costs around $500-$1,500 at an outpatient facility. Longer EEGs with video monitoring cost several thousand dollars.

How much does an MEG scan cost?

A MEG scan of the brain costs between $1,000 and $3,000 per hour of scan time. Most research studies budget $2,500 per hour of MEG scanning.

MEG brain scans can only be performed at specialized medical imaging facilities with powerful MRI-strength magnets. There are less than 50 active MEG scanners operating in the entire United States currently.

MEG scan costs are determined by:

  • Hourly room time for the MEG scanner, around $2,500 per hour on average
  • Total hours of scan time needed for the research study or clinical evaluation
  • Analysis of the MEG data by neuroimaging specialists

The high cost of MEG scanners means this technology is almost exclusively found at university research hospitals and clinics. MEG scans are not widely available to the general public. Most patients pay out-of-pocket or through research study budgets.

Does insurance cover brain scans?

Yes, most health insurance plans cover medically necessary brain scans ordered by a doctor for diagnostic purposes. However, the amount you end up paying out of pocket can still be significant depending on your plan.

Here are some typical costs for brain scans with insurance:

CT scan No charge to $300 after deductible
MRI scan $100-$500 or 20% coinsurance after deductible
PET scan $500-$1,000 copay after deductible
EEG test $50-$200 copay

Many health insurance policies have deductibles of $1,000 or more per year, which means you pay 100% of scan costs until you meet that amount. Coinsurance of 20% is also very common for expensive tests like PET and MRI scans.

Always check with your insurer about pre-authorization requirements and estimated copays or coinsurance for any brain scans ordered by your doctor.

How can I save money on a brain scan?

If you need an expensive brain scan but are paying out of pocket, here are some tips to reduce the costs:

  • Ask your doctor if they can order the least expensive appropriate scan for your situation. For example, a CT scan instead of an MRI when possible.
  • Use imaging centers or radiology clinics instead of hospital imaging departments – centers usually charge less.
  • Ask for cash pay or self-pay discounts. Many facilities offer discounts of 20% or more if you pay in full upfront.
  • Negotiate a payment plan or financial assistance if hospital fees would cause financial hardship.
  • Travel to a lower-cost area if there are major price differences between imaging providers.

Shopping around, comparing prices, negotiating discounts, and considering less expensive facilities can potentially save hundreds or thousands of dollars on brain scans.

Conclusion

Brain scans like CT, MRI, PET, and EEG tests provide doctors with crucial information about conditions inside the head, but can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending on the type.

Modern imaging technology comes with high price tags of $1,000 or more per scan at many healthcare facilities. While insurance can cover much of the expense for many patients, steep out-of-pocket fees in the hundreds or thousands of dollars are still common. Patients without insurance especially need to budget several thousand dollars to pay for many types of brain scans.

By shopping around, comparing costs between providers, and utilizing self-pay discounts, some money can be saved on brain scans when paying out-of-pocket. However, these crucial medical imaging tests will remain expensive procedures in today’s healthcare system.