Prices for medical imaging scans vary widely across the U.S., with the highest prices found in California, according to a new report published by Castlight Health.
Depending on geography, the 150 million Americans who receive health insurance through their employer pay different amounts for CT scans of the head and MRI of the lower back -- with Californians paying the most. In addition, staying in network doesn't necessarily translate into low-cost imaging services, the company found.
Of the top 10 most expensive cities for MRI, Sacramento, CA, and San Francisco took first and second place, at $2,635 and $2,244, respectively. The remaining cities were as follows:
- Kansas City, MO: $2,047
- Miami: $1,968
- Dallas: $1,934
- Denver: $1,908
- Charlotte, NC: $1,813
- St. Louis: $1,775
- Detroit: $1,768
- Boston: $1,737
As for CT scans, Sacramento, CA, once again came in first, at $1,404, followed by Cleveland in second ($1,253) and Kansas City, MO, in third ($1,252). The remaining cities were as follows:
- Dallas: $1,215
- San Francisco: $1,203
- Denver: $1,194
- San Antonio: $1,067
- Las Vegas: $1,061
- Miami: $1,046
- St. Louis: $1,041
Price for medical services is only one component of evaluating the U.S. healthcare system, according to Castlight, but it's an important one.
"Making pricing and outcomes data actionable and accessible to consumers is a vital step toward a merit-based healthcare ecosystem -- one in which employers, employees, and their families can make informed choices with a clear understanding of the costs and care they will receive," the company said.
