Alabama

Cost of a Chest CT Scan Visit
in Alabama

Name: CT Chest Cost in Alabama (2026)
Creator: Jayant Panwar
Published: 2026-03-18

Reviewed by Momentary Medical Group West PC

Alabama's healthcare costs run approximately 8% below national averages, though Chest CT Scan pricing varies significantly across the state's 67 counties. Patients typically pay between $48 and $332 for imaging services, with a median cost of $139 based on negotiated insurance rates from 2,695 active providers. Alabama maintains a robust network of imaging centers and hospital-based facilities, allowing patients to browse all providers statewide for the most cost-effective options.

Average

$173

Median

$139

Lowest

$48

Highest

$332

Providers

2,695

National avg: $302Alabama: $173

43% below national average

Compare Similar Procedures

How does ct chest compare to related procedures in Alabama?

Procedure	CPT	Low	Median	High	Providers
MRI Brain MRI of the brain with and without contrast	70553	$88	$253	$811	2,663
MRI Knee MRI of the knee without contrast	73721	$53	$163	$479	2,672
MRI Lumbar Spine MRI of the lumbar spine without contrast	72148	$59	$157	$452	2,384
CT Abdomen & Pelvis CT scan of abdomen and pelvis with contrast	74177	$71	$202	$460	2,711

Important: These are cost estimates only — not a quote and not medical advice.

The prices on this page are self-pay rates, drawn from federal Transparency in Coverage machine-readable files (CPT 71260 — CT chest with contrast). They represent what a patient might pay without insurance.

Your actual cost depends on: your specific insurance plan, your remaining deductible, your coinsurance percentage, whether you have met your out-of-pocket maximum, whether the facility and provider are both in-network, and any separate anesthesia or implant fees billed independently.

This page does not constitute medical advice. Whether you need this procedure, and which approach is right for you, is a decision to make with a licensed healthcare provider.

Where this data comes from & what CPT 71260 covers

Data source: Cost figures are derived from UnitedHealthcare Transparency in Coverage machine-readable files for CPT code 71260 (CT chest with contrast), as mandated by the CMS Price Transparency Rule.

What CPT 71260 covers: the provider's professional fee for ct chest. It does not include facility/hospital fees, anesthesia, pre-operative imaging, post-operative care, or any add-on codes billed separately.

How to read this data

Negotiated Rate

The discounted price an insurer has agreed to pay a specific provider. Most insured patients' bills are calculated from this number, not the higher list price hospitals publish separately.

P5, Median, P95

P5 is the rate at the 5th percentile (low end), Median is the middle value, and P95 is the 95th percentile (high end). This range shows how much the same visit can vary between providers.

What this does not tell you

These rates do not tell you what you personally will pay out of pocket. That depends on your specific plan, how much of your deductible you have already met, your coinsurance rate, and whether the provider is in your network. Call your insurer's member line to get your exact estimate.

Full data methodology and glossary

Why Chest CT Scan Visit Costs Vary Across Alabama

Alabama's healthcare costs run approximately 8% below national averages, reflecting the state's lower overall cost of living and reduced physician compensation compared to coastal markets. The state's rural geography and concentrated urban centers create distinct pricing patterns between metropolitan Birmingham-Montgomery areas and smaller regional markets.

Urban vs. Rural Provider Availability

Birmingham and Mobile anchor Alabama's imaging infrastructure with multiple hospital systems and independent centers, while rural counties often rely on single providers or require travel to regional hubs. This geographic disparity creates access challenges for rural residents but also limits competition that could drive down prices in underserved areas. Northern Alabama benefits from proximity to Huntsville's medical facilities, while southern counties may travel to Mobile or Florida for specialized imaging.

Facility Type and Overhead Costs

Hospital-owned imaging centers, particularly those affiliated with UAB Health System and Baptist Health, typically charge higher facility fees due to overhead costs and academic medical center pricing models. Independent imaging centers throughout Alabama often provide identical services at lower costs but may have less sophisticated equipment or subspecialty radiologists. The state's mix of for-profit and non-profit hospitals creates varied pricing strategies across different health systems.

Insurance Market Competition in Alabama

Blue Cross Blue Shield Alabama's market dominance reduces competitive pressure on negotiated rates, as most providers must accept their contracted prices to maintain patient volume. Limited insurer competition on the ACA marketplace constrains consumer choice and may result in higher out-of-pocket costs compared to states with more carrier options. Small employer plans often face limited negotiating power with large health systems, resulting in higher premiums and patient cost-sharing.

Physician Supply and Demand in Alabama

Alabama's 2,695 active Chest CT Scan providers indicate adequate radiologist supply relative to the state's 5.2 million residents, though distribution favors urban areas over rural counties. The state's medical schools produce sufficient radiologists to meet demand, but recruitment to rural areas remains challenging due to lower reimbursement rates and limited subspecialty support. Adequate provider supply in major markets helps moderate pricing, while rural shortages may limit cost competition and extend wait times.

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Jayant Panwar

CEO, Momentary Labs · San Francisco, CA

Jayant has analyzed healthcare pricing data from CMS Transparency in Coverage files since 2022, covering more than 50 million negotiated rate records across all 50 states. His work focuses on making insurer machine-readable files accessible to patients and researchers.

The cost figures on this page reflect his ongoing work to make this data accessible to patients.

Healthcare Data AnalyticsCMS TiC DataInsurance Price Transparency

Frequently Asked Questions — Chest CT Scan Costs in Alabama

What is the average cost of a Chest CT Scan visit in Alabama without insurance?

Uninsured patients in Alabama typically pay $48 to $332 for chest CT scans, with a median cost of $139 based on negotiated insurance rates. Cash-pay patients often receive discounts of 20-40% off standard rates when paying upfront, making the actual out-of-pocket cost potentially lower than these figures. Many imaging centers offer payment plans to help manage costs for uninsured patients.

Does Alabama Medicaid cover Chest CT Scan visits?

Alabama Medicaid covers medically necessary chest CT scans when ordered by a physician, though prior authorization may be required. However, Alabama chose not to expand Medicaid, leaving adults earning above 18% of federal poverty level without coverage unless they qualify through disability or other special circumstances. Traditional Medicaid recipients typically pay no out-of-pocket costs for covered imaging studies.

How do I find an affordable Chest CT Scan near me in Alabama?

Compare prices between hospital-based imaging centers and independent facilities, as independents often charge $200-400 less for identical services. Ask about cash-pay discounts if you're uninsured, and consider community health centers or federally qualified health centers that offer sliding fee scales based on income. Rural imaging centers sometimes offer more competitive pricing than urban facilities, though this may require additional travel time.

What is the difference in cost between an initial consultation and a follow-up visit?

Chest CT scan costs remain consistent at $48-$332 regardless of whether it's your first imaging study or a follow-up scan, as the technical component and radiologist interpretation fees don't vary based on visit type. However, if you need a consultation with a pulmonologist or other specialist to discuss results, initial consultations typically cost more than follow-up visits. The imaging study itself maintains the same pricing structure for new and established patients.

Can I use an HSA or FSA to pay for a Chest CT Scan visit in Alabama?

Yes, chest CT scans qualify as eligible medical expenses for both Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) when medically necessary. You can use these pre-tax dollars to pay for the imaging study, any related consultation fees, and transportation costs to the facility. Keep all receipts and documentation showing the medical necessity of the scan for your HSA or FSA records.

How does telemedicine affect the cost of seeing a Chest CT Scan in Alabama?

While the chest CT scan itself must be performed in person at an imaging facility, telemedicine consultations for discussing results or follow-up care typically cost $50-150 less than in-person specialist visits. Alabama expanded telehealth coverage during the pandemic, and many insurers now cover virtual consultations at the same rate as office visits. This can reduce overall costs by eliminating travel time and allowing more convenient follow-up discussions with radiologists or referring physicians.

Click a state to compare costs

Average Visit Cost

$131

$2,723

Office visit (CPT 71260)

Compare With Other States

Rank	State	Average↓	Min⇅	Max⇅	Providers⇅
1	North Dakota(ND) Range: $118 – $7,881	$2,723	$118	$7,881	653
2	Minnesota(MN) Range: $80 – $7,881	$2,711	$80	$7,881	3,188
3	Wisconsin(WI) Range: $73 – $863	$363	$73	$863	4,270
4	Georgia(GA) Range: $61 – $699	$319	$61	$699	3,315
5	Wyoming(WY) Range: $54 – $598	$287	$54	$598	184
6	Nevada(NV) Range: $80 – $453	$272	$80	$453	2,690
7	Maine(ME) Range: $93 – $439	$262	$93	$439	1,705
8	Nebraska(NE) Range: $108 – $415	$246	$108	$415	2,647
9	Hawaii(HI) Range: $67 – $348	$243	$67	$348	114
10	New Mexico(NM) Range: $52 – $505	$242	$52	$505	1,300
11	Iowa(IA) Range: $73 – $424	$237	$73	$424	424
12	Vermont(VT) Range: $49 – $516	$236	$49	$516	346
13	North Carolina(NC) Range: $60 – $443	$233	$60	$443	2,569
14	New Hampshire(NH) Range: $67 – $446	$232	$67	$446	3,685
15	Massachusetts(MA) Range: $64 – $454	$230	$64	$454	1,801
16	Rhode Island(RI) Range: $54 – $454	$226	$54	$454	86
17	Alaska(AK) Range: $54 – $449	$224	$54	$449	58
18	District of Columbia(DC) Range: $49 – $454	$223	$49	$454	338
19	Colorado(CO) Range: $55 – $441	$218	$55	$441	1,721
20	Utah(UT) Range: $54 – $374	$212	$54	$374	419
21	California(CA) Range: $25 – $521	$210	$25	$521	10,242
22	Indiana(IN) Range: $54 – $411	$206	$54	$411	468
23	New York(NY) Range: $42 – $443	$205	$42	$443	32,246
24	Washington(WA) Range: $54 – $384	$203	$54	$384	3,423
25	Michigan(MI) Range: $57 – $356	$195	$57	$356	2,175
26	Illinois(IL) Range: $64 – $346	$192	$64	$346	7,047
27	Tennessee(TN) Range: $61 – $333	$188	$61	$333	2,701
28	Pennsylvania(PA) Range: $50 – $389	$185	$50	$389	2,029
29	West Virginia(WV) Range: $64 – $317	$184	$64	$317	229
30	Virginia(VA) Range: $41 – $371	$182	$41	$371	2,895
31	Idaho(ID) Range: $54 – $321	$182	$54	$321	167
32	New Jersey(NJ) Range: $41 – $371	$181	$41	$371	7,333
33	Connecticut(CT) Range: $54 – $389	$179	$54	$389	915
34	Texas(TX) Range: $54 – $345	$178	$54	$345	11,171
35	South Carolina(SC) Range: $54 – $339	$178	$54	$339	1,384
36	Kansas(KS) Range: $59 – $324	$178	$59	$324	1,893
37	Oregon(OR) Range: $70 – $291	$177	$70	$291	758
38	South Dakota(SD) Range: $134 – $222	$175	$134	$222	321
39	Alabama(AL) Range: $48 – $332	$173	$48	$332	2,695
40	Delaware(DE) Range: $61 – $273	$170	$61	$273	205
41	Louisiana(LA) Range: $48 – $288	$169	$48	$288	1,374
42	Kentucky(KY) Range: $54 – $335	$169	$54	$335	473
43	Arkansas(AR) Range: $61 – $278	$164	$61	$278	149
44	Montana(MT) Range: $54 – $263	$163	$54	$263	108
45	Maryland(MD) Range: $24 – $335	$161	$24	$335	4,048
46	Mississippi(MS) Range: $48 – $307	$160	$48	$307	1,325
47	Missouri(MO) Range: $64 – $265	$159	$64	$265	5,432
48	Oklahoma(OK) Range: $51 – $298	$154	$51	$298	2,180
49	Ohio(OH) Range: $41 – $298	$154	$41	$298	4,434
50	Arizona(AZ) Range: $54 – $267	$145	$54	$267	6,691
51	Florida(FL) Range: $35 – $297	$131	$35	$297	5,487