PET Scan Cost Comparison
PET Scan costs $1,200-$2,500 at an independent imaging center versus $3,000-$6,000 at a hospital or outpatient facility.
Positron Emission Tomography shows how organs and tissues are functioning using a radioactive tracer.
Hospital/Outpatient Facility
$3,000-$6,000
Based on national averages
Independent Imaging Center
$1,200-$2,500
FTC Pricing Disclaimer: Prices shown are estimated market ranges based on FAIR Health, PET imaging centers. Actual prices vary by location, provider, and whether contrast is used. Always verify pricing with the facility before scheduling.
Real prices from our database
Not an estimate. These figures come from actual hospital-disclosed cash prices for CPT 78815 (PET/CT scan (skull to mid-thigh)) in FairVisitHealth's price-transparency corpus.
Median posted cash price
$2,258
Most fall between $1,475 and $3,639 (25th to 75th percentile)
Median of 325 hospital-posted cash prices. Each posted price counts once, so hospitals that post more prices carry more weight.
The radiotracer drug may be billed separately.
Source: FairVisitHealth analysis of 325 hospital-disclosed cash prices for CPT 78815, from CMS hospital price-transparency machine-readable files. Data as of September 2026. Smaller sample, so treat as indicative.
Common Uses
- Cancer Detection
- Heart Disease
- Brain Disorders
- Treatment Monitoring
Preparation
Fast 6 hours before. No strenuous exercise 24 hours prior.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a PET scan cost without insurance?
PET scans cost $1,200-$6,000 without insurance, making them one of the most expensive imaging tests. Independent PET imaging centers may offer rates of $1,200-$2,500.
Why are PET scans so expensive?
PET scans require specialized radioactive tracers that are expensive to produce, sophisticated equipment, and specialized personnel. The tracers have short half-lives and must be produced fresh.
What is a PET/CT scan?
A PET/CT scan combines PET and CT imaging in one procedure, providing both metabolic (PET) and anatomical (CT) information. This combined scan is more accurate for cancer staging.
Is a PET scan covered by Medicare?
Medicare covers PET scans for many conditions including cancer diagnosis and staging, cardiac conditions, and certain brain disorders. Coverage may require prior authorization.