Medical cost are messed up and I waste my time.

Why do CAT scan cost vary so much?

CAT scan cost vary based upon the type of CAT scan you're getting (abdominal versus brain for example) as well as where you have the procedure performed. Similar to the price of a new automobile. Everyone knows that the "sticker price" is just an asking price. There's a nice mark-up included in that price and often if you ask the dealer to come off that price they will. Medical procedures are often no different. Most hospitals and imaging centers have a "sticker price" which are often on the high end. If you ask and work with most facilities they will often offer a substantial discount to individuals and insurance carriers due to the form of payment and the volume of procedures they pay for on an annual basis. There's more on this below so keep reading.

CAT Scan Costs Averages

As noted above, CAT Scan costs can vary by thousands of dollars and it's important that you shop around for your procedure. For example, listed below are some real examples or CAT Scan prices from around the United States.

Testing Facility Location	Test Type	Average Cost
Houston, TX	Cat Scan	$3,016
Chicago, IL	Cat Scan	$2,237
Atlanta, GA - Testing Facility A	Cat Scan	$698
Atlanta, GA - Testing Facility B	Cat Scan	$2,214
Phoenix, AZ	Cat Scan	$2,199
Omaha, NE	Cat Scan	$1,611
Portland, OR - Testing Facility A	Cat Scan	$1,520
Portland, OR - Testing Facility B	Cat Scan	$678
Cleveland, OH	Cat Scan	$1,075

Take Atlanta, GA for example. Facility A charges $698 for a CAT scan while Facility B charges $2,214. That's a $1,516 difference! There's nothing different about the procedure being done but there sure is a difference between he cost of Facility A and Facility B. Take the testing facilities in Portland, OR. It's very similar to the two CT scan facilities in Atlanta. Facility A charges $1,520 for the CT scan while Facility B only cost $678. Again, a huge difference in price. Amazingly these price discrepancies exist all over the United States.

Americans put up with a system that tries to screw you at every turn.  Why ?  Do sick people who need xrays  ordered by their Dr, really have time to shop around?  Should they sit at home and call all area providers?  Why can't anyone see the stupidity in such a system?   Better yet why do I even try to change the minds of people who really don't care. As long as they are healthy or have good INS. they don't care . I waste my time !