If your doctor has recommended a PET scan, one of the first questions you may have is: How much does a PET scan cost in Maryland?

The answer is not always simple. PET scan prices can vary significantly depending on the type of scan, whether it includes CT imaging, the facility where the examination is performed, the radiotracer used, your insurance plan and whether you have met your deductible.

For patients paying cash, published prices can also vary considerably between hospitals and imaging providers. That is why getting a personalized estimate before scheduling your scan is important.

How Much Does a PET Scan Cost?

Current published pricing sources demonstrate how widely PET scan costs can vary.

MDsave currently lists a national PET scan price range of approximately $1,323 to $4,525, with a national average listed at about $4,553 before the MDsave average purchasing figure. These figures are not Maryland-specific and should be used only as a general reference.

Published hospital cash-price data for Baltimore shows another picture. Current data reports a typical listed cash price of approximately $5,600 across reported PET procedures, while individual PET/CT procedures can range from several thousand dollars to substantially more depending on the specific procedure and facility.

Why Does the Cost of a PET Scan Vary?

Several factors can influence the price of PET imaging. Understanding these factors can help you ask better questions before your appointment.

1Type of PET Scan

There are different types of PET examinations. Some evaluate the whole body, while others focus on a specific area or organ.

PET may also be combined with CT, producing a PET/CT examination. The exact procedure and billing code can affect the cost.

2The Radiotracer Used

PET imaging requires a radiotracer. FDG is one of the most commonly used PET tracers, particularly in oncology.

Other specialized tracers may be used for specific conditions, such as certain prostate cancers or neuroendocrine tumors.

Different tracers have different costs and availability, which can contribute to differences in the overall price of an examination.

3Where You Have the Scan

The facility where your PET scan is performed can have a major impact on the amount billed.

Hospital outpatient departments, academic medical centers and independent imaging facilities may have different pricing structures.

In Maryland, hospital services are subject to state rate-setting, but individual hospitals can still have different rates and patients can have different insurance-negotiated prices.

4Your Insurance Plan

If you have health insurance, your out-of-pocket cost may be substantially different from the facility’s published price.

Your insurance company may have negotiated a specific rate with the imaging provider. Your actual responsibility can then depend on your deductible, coinsurance, copay and out-of-pocket maximum.

5Your Deductible

A high-deductible health plan can make the cost of a PET scan feel significantly higher, especially if you have not yet met your annual deductible.

Even when your insurance covers the examination, you may be responsible for a substantial portion of the negotiated cost until your deductible has been satisfied.

6Whether You Have Medicare

Medicare Part B covers medically necessary diagnostic non-laboratory tests, including PET scans, when ordered to diagnose or treat a medical problem.

For covered diagnostic tests, Medicare states that after the Part B deductible, patients generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Additional costs can apply when testing is performed in a hospital outpatient setting.

Medicare also notes that certain advanced imaging services, including PET scans performed outside hospitals, must be obtained from appropriately accredited providers for Medicare payment.

What Does a PET/CT Scan Cost in Maryland?

PET/CT is commonly used when doctors need both metabolic and anatomical information. Because PET/CT can involve multiple billing components, its price can differ substantially between facilities.

Published Baltimore-area hospital data currently shows listed cash prices of approximately $5,526 for limited-area PET/CT, $6,399 for PET/CT from the skull base to mid-thigh and $7,166 for whole-body PET/CT as typical reported prices across the hospitals included in that dataset.

The same data also shows wide ranges between individual hospitals, demonstrating why patients should not rely on a single statewide estimate.

What Can Be Included in a PET Scan Bill?

The total cost of PET imaging may involve more than the scanner itself.

Can a PET Scan Cost More at a Hospital?

Hospital-based imaging can have different pricing structures from independent imaging facilities.

This does not mean that an independent center is always less expensive or that a hospital is always more expensive. The actual cost depends on the facility, scan type, insurance contracts and other factors.

If cost is an important consideration, ask whether your physician’s clinical requirements allow you to choose between different accredited facilities.

How to Get an Accurate PET Scan Cost Before Your Appointment

The best way to determine what you are likely to pay is to obtain a personalized estimate before the examination.

7Ask for the CPT Code

Ask your physician or imaging center for the billing code associated with your PET examination.

The exact code can help your insurance company and imaging provider identify the service you are asking about.

PET and PET/CT examinations can have different codes depending on the type of imaging performed.

8Request a Written Estimate

Ask the imaging facility for a written estimate that explains what is included.

9Check Your Insurance Network

Before scheduling, confirm that the imaging facility is in your insurance network.

Also ask whether the physician interpreting the scan is covered by your plan. Network status can affect the amount you ultimately pay.

10Ask About Cash or Self-Pay Pricing

If you do not have insurance, or if you are considering paying directly because of a high deductible, ask the facility whether it offers a discounted cash or self-pay rate.

Do not assume that the standard hospital charge is the same as the discounted cash price.

Can You Get a PET Scan Without Insurance?

Yes, PET scans can be performed for self-pay patients when medically appropriate and when the imaging provider offers self-pay services.

However, the price can vary significantly. Ask the facility for a complete cash estimate before scheduling.

MDsave currently lists PET scan cash-purchase prices in the national range of approximately $1,323 to $4,525, but those figures are not Maryland-specific and do not guarantee the price available at a Maryland facility.

Does Medicare Cover PET Scans?

Medicare Part B covers diagnostic non-laboratory tests, including PET scans, when they are ordered to diagnose or treat a medical problem and meet Medicare’s coverage requirements.

For covered diagnostic tests, Medicare states that after the Part B deductible, patients generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Hospital outpatient services may involve additional cost-sharing.

Coverage requirements can depend on the specific clinical indication and type of PET examination, so patients should confirm coverage before scheduling.

Does Private Insurance Cover PET Scans?

Many health insurance plans cover PET or PET/CT when the examination is medically necessary and meets the plan’s coverage criteria.

However, some plans require prior authorization before the scan.

Your doctor’s office or imaging center may help with the authorization process, but you should confirm with your insurance company that authorization has been approved before the examination whenever possible.

Why Prior Authorization Matters

Some insurance plans require prior authorization for advanced imaging. This means the insurer reviews the medical necessity of the examination before agreeing to cover it under the plan.

If prior authorization is required and has not been completed, your claim could be delayed or denied depending on your plan’s rules.

Ask your physician’s office or insurance company whether authorization is required for your specific PET examination.

What Is the Difference Between a PET Scan and PET/CT?

Because PET/CT combines two imaging technologies, patients should confirm exactly which examination their doctor ordered when requesting a price estimate.

Does the Cost Depend on the Type of Cancer?

The medical reason for a PET scan can affect which tracer and imaging protocol are appropriate. Different tracers and protocols can have different costs.

For example, FDG PET is widely used in oncology, while specialized PET tracers may be used for selected prostate cancers, neuroendocrine tumors and other conditions.

The price should therefore be based on the exact examination ordered rather than simply searching for a generic “PET scan” price.

How Much Does a PET Scan Cost With Insurance?

There is no single amount that applies to all insured patients.

Your out-of-pocket cost can depend on:

• Your insurance plan
• Whether the facility is in network
• Your deductible
• Your copay
• Your coinsurance
• Your annual out-of-pocket maximum
• The negotiated insurance rate
• The type of PET examination
• Whether prior authorization is required

How Much Does a PET Scan Cost Without Insurance?

Self-pay prices can also vary significantly between facilities.

Current published data demonstrates that cash prices for PET imaging can range from several thousand dollars to substantially higher amounts depending on the examination and location.

If you are uninsured, request a discounted cash price rather than assuming that the facility’s gross charge is what you will have to pay.

How Hospital Price Transparency Can Help

Federal hospital price-transparency rules require most hospitals to make standard pricing information publicly available.

CMS says hospitals must publish standard charges, including gross charges, discounted cash prices and payer-specific negotiated charges. Hospitals must provide this information through a machine-readable file and a consumer-friendly display of shoppable services.

This can give patients a starting point for comparing prices before scheduling planned imaging.

Questions to Ask Before Paying for a PET Scan

Can Patients Save Money on a PET Scan?

Patients may be able to reduce their out-of-pocket costs by comparing facilities, confirming network status and asking for a complete estimate before scheduling.

What If You Cannot Afford a PET Scan?

If the expected cost is difficult to manage, talk with the imaging facility and your healthcare team before cancelling the examination.

Ask whether financial assistance, payment plans, self-pay discounts or other resources are available.

You can also ask your healthcare provider whether there are clinically appropriate alternatives or whether another accredited facility may be able to perform the same examination at a lower cost.

Is It Worth Comparing PET Scan Prices?

For a planned examination, comparing prices can be worthwhile because published costs can vary substantially.

CMS encourages consumers to review hospital pricing information, compare costs and use available price-estimator tools before receiving care.

However, price should not be the only consideration. Make sure the facility is appropriately accredited, meets your doctor’s clinical requirements and is covered by your insurance when applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a PET scan cost in Maryland?

There is no single statewide price. Published national cash prices and Maryland-area hospital prices vary significantly depending on the type of PET examination and facility. Current Baltimore-area published data shows a typical listed hospital cash price around $5,600 across reported PET procedures, while individual PET/CT procedures can vary substantially.

How much does a PET/CT scan cost in Maryland?

The price depends on the specific PET/CT examination and facility. Published Baltimore-area hospital data currently reports typical listed cash prices of approximately $5,526 for limited-area PET/CT, $6,399 for skull-base-to-mid-thigh PET/CT and $7,166 for whole-body PET/CT among the hospitals included in that dataset.

Does insurance cover PET scans?

Many insurance plans cover medically necessary PET imaging, but coverage requirements vary. Some plans require prior authorization, and your out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible, copay, coinsurance and network status.

Does Medicare cover PET scans?

Medicare Part B covers diagnostic PET scans when they are medically necessary and meet Medicare’s coverage requirements. After the Part B deductible, patients generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered diagnostic non-laboratory tests, although hospital outpatient costs can differ.

How much is a PET scan without insurance?

Self-pay prices vary significantly. Current national reference sources list PET scan prices from roughly $1,323 to $4,525, while published hospital prices in Maryland can be substantially higher depending on the examination and facility. Always request a local cash estimate.

Why are PET scans so expensive?

PET imaging involves specialized equipment, radiotracers, trained imaging professionals and physician interpretation. The facility, tracer, scan type and billing structure can all affect the final cost.

Does a PET scan include the CT scan?

If your doctor orders a PET/CT, both PET and CT imaging are performed during the examination. However, patients should confirm exactly what is included in the quoted price because billing arrangements can vary.

Can I negotiate the price of a PET scan?

If you are paying cash, ask whether the facility offers a discounted self-pay price or payment assistance. CMS also recommends using publicly available price information and asking providers about costs.

Should I compare PET scan prices?

For planned imaging, comparing prices can help you understand your options. Confirm that the facility is appropriate for the examination, meets accreditation requirements and is in network when insurance coverage is important.

What should I ask before scheduling a PET scan?

Ask about the exact PET procedure, CPT code, radiotracer, total estimated price, insurance coverage, prior authorization, network status, deductible and whether radiologist and other professional fees are included.

How Padder Health Services Can Help

At Padder Health Services, our healthcare teams provide comprehensive care through Internal Medicine, Family Medicine and Cardiology.

If your physician has recommended advanced imaging such as a PET scan, your primary care or specialty team can help you understand why the examination was recommended and how the results may fit into your overall healthcare plan.

Patients should confirm the exact imaging facility, procedure, insurance coverage and price directly with the facility performing the PET scan. Padder Health Services does not provide a universal PET scan price because the final cost depends on the imaging provider, examination and patient’s insurance or self-pay circumstances.

Final Thoughts

The answer to “How much does a PET scan cost in Maryland?” depends on several factors. There is no single price that applies to every patient or every facility.

Published pricing demonstrates substantial variation between PET procedures and facilities. Current Baltimore-area data shows that hospital cash prices can be several thousand dollars, while national cash-pay sources report different ranges for PET imaging.

Your actual out-of-pocket cost can be very different from a published price because insurance coverage, deductibles, coinsurance, network status and prior authorization all matter.

The best approach is to ask for the exact procedure code, confirm your insurance benefits, check whether authorization is required and request a written estimate from the imaging facility before your appointment.

If you are paying without insurance, ask specifically about the discounted cash price and whether financial assistance or payment plans are available.

Most importantly, do not delay medically necessary imaging solely because you do not know the price. Talk with your healthcare provider and the imaging facility about your options so you can make an informed decision about your care.