CT Scan Cost: What You Should Pay in 2026

Hospital avg

$8,039

26.8x Medicare

Medicare rate

$300

CPT 74177 · reference rate

The Short Answer

BillKarma analysis of 17 facilities finds the average hospital charge for Abdominal CT with Contrast is $8,039 — 26.8x the Medicare reference rate of $300. A fair market price is typically 1.5–2.5x the Medicare rate, or $450–$750.

Cost by facility type

For imaging procedures, choosing an independent imaging center over a hospital outpatient department is the single biggest factor affecting your cost. Hospital-owned imaging departments bill facility fees that independent centers do not.

Facility Type	Avg Charge	vs. Medicare	Range	Providers
Hospitals	$8,039	26.8x	$3,533 – $12,201	17
Medicare Rate	$300	1.0x	Reference	—

Source: BillKarma analysis of 17 facilities · Data current 2026

How billing grade affects your cost

BillKarma grades hospitals A–F based on their average charges vs. Medicare rates. Choosing a Grade A or B facility for this procedure can save hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Grade	What it means	Avg Charge	vs. Medicare	Est. Patient Cost*
D	5–8x Medicare (high)	$5,122	—	$1,024
F	8x+ Medicare (predatory)	$8,428	—	$1,686

*Estimated patient cost assumes 20% coinsurance after deductible · Source: BillKarma 2026

Find Abdominal CT with Contrast near you

See grades, prices, and distance for hospitals, imaging centers in your area.

Browse all providers for CPT 74177 →

What is a fair price for Abdominal CT with Contrast?

Medicare reference rate (CPT 74177) $300

Fair market range (1.5–2.5x Medicare) $450 – $750

National hospital average $8,039

If you are quoted more than $750, ask questions or search for a lower-cost alternative. BillKarma grades hospitals A–F based on how their charges compare to this benchmark.

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Questions to ask before scheduling Abdominal CT with Contrast

1 Does this CT scan require prior authorization from my insurance?
2 Can this scan be done at an independent imaging center instead of the hospital?
3 Will the radiologist fee be billed separately from the facility fee?
4 Is contrast dye required, or can a non-contrast scan (different CPT) be done?
5 Is the imaging center hospital-owned or independently operated?
6 Can I get a Good Faith Estimate under the No Surprises Act?

Frequently asked questions

Why does Abdominal CT with Contrast cost so much more at some hospitals than others?

Hospital charges for Abdominal CT with Contrast (CPT 74177) vary dramatically—sometimes by 10x or more—because hospitals set their own gross charges independently. Medicare pays $300 for this procedure based on actual delivery costs, but hospitals are not required to match that rate. The national average charge is $8,039. Using a price transparency tool helps you find a fairly priced facility.

Can I shop around for Abdominal CT with Contrast if my doctor ordered it?

Yes. As long as the same CPT code (74177) is billed, the ordering physician does not need to be at the same facility that performs the scan. You can call hospitals and freestanding imaging centers to ask for their cash price or expected out-of-pocket cost before scheduling. Freestanding imaging centers typically charge significantly less than hospital outpatient departments.

What should I do if I received a bill for Abdominal CT with Contrast that seems high?

Compare the charge on your bill to the Medicare reference rate of $300. If the hospital billed more than $601 (two times Medicare), you may be able to negotiate. Request an itemized bill, check for duplicate charges, and ask whether a prompt-pay or financial hardship discount applies. You can also upload your bill to BillKarma for a free automated review.