How Much Does a PET Scan Cost?

Making use of technology once thought to exist only in the realm of science fiction, the field of nuclear medicine has helped doctors unlock the secrets of the human body. With research dating back to the 1950s, doctors can now diagnose a variety of conditions at the cellular level with testing that safely utilizes radioactive isotopes.¹

In the U.S. alone, doctors prescribe over 20 million of these potentially lifesaving tests a year. One such test is the non-invasive positron emission tomography (PET) scan.¹

Here, we look at how to prepare for this test, what to expect during your PET scan and how much it costs.

What Is a PET Scan?

A PET scan is an imaging test that allows doctors to observe the metabolic activity of your cells to better diagnose a variety of potential medical issues, including:²

• Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, epilepsy and stroke
• Brain function after a traumatic injury and to determine whether there is any bleeding or blood clots present in the brain
• If a previously diagnosed cancer has spread to other parts of the body
• Whether or not cancer treatment is working
• How well your heart is functioning and if it's getting enough blood flow
• Whether lesions or tumors are present within your lungs or other parts of the body
• If cancer is present within your lungs and how far it has spread
• The location of a surgical site prior to brain surgery

Types of PET Scans

Most PET scans are paired with a computed tomography (CT) scan in one machine called a PET/CT scanner. This gives your doctor a better view of possible sites affected by disease.²

PET scans may involve a full or partial body scan depending on your medical condition. They come in various types, each targeting different areas and functions:³

• Brain PET scan: Evaluates various neurological conditions
• Cardiac PET scan: Diagnoses cardiovascular disease and heart function
• FDG-PET/CT scan: Uses a glucose-based tracer called fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to detect cancer cells in the body
• FES (fluoroestradiol F18) PET/CT scan: Detects breast cancer cells in the body
• PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) PET/CT scan: Detects prostate cancer cells in the prostate and other parts of the body
• SSTR (somatostatin receptor) PET/CT scan: Detects neuroendocrine lesions and tumors in the body

How Much Does a PET Scan Cost?

While offering invaluable diagnostic insights, PET scans come at a hefty price tag due to the advanced technology involved and the required use of radioactive tracers. Depending on the specific type of procedure, the average cost for a PET scan without insurance starts at $1,159.⁵ This cost can go up to $7,275.⁶

PET scan cost by type

What Affects the Cost of a PET Scan?

The cost of your PET scan will vary based on several factors, including:⁶

• Location of the procedure: This can be a hospital as an inpatient or outpatient, or in a stand-alone outpatient imaging center. Typically, an outpatient center will charge much less for this test than a hospital.
• Your geographic location: Major cities like New York and Los Angeles may charge less than smaller ones and rural areas. That's because less populated areas may not have as many outpatient facilities with this advanced equipment available for you to use.
• If the facility is considered in-network for your health insurance: Out-of-network facilities may charge more for a PET scan. Those higher costs may not be covered by your insurance or only covered at a lower percentage.
• The type of tracer your test requires: Different kinds of radioactive tracers may vary in price. Some cost as much as $5,000 in addition to the basic cost of the PET scan.⁹

Is a PET Scan Covered by Insurance?

A PET scan is covered by most health insurance companies as well as Medicare if your doctor deems it medically necessary.¹⁰ However, if your insurance company doesn't cover the test, you'll be required to pay the full price yourself.⁶

Keep in mind that if your health insurance covers your test, you may still be responsible for paying a deductible and a coinsurance cost, which can vary. Check with your insurance provider to see what your out-of-pocket costs will come to.

How Is a PET Scan Different From Other Scans?

Most imaging centers and hospitals offer several types of internal scans, in addition to — and even combined with — PET scans. While all of these scans allow your doctor to visualize your internal organs and tissues, they do so in different ways and with various levels of detail.

CT vs. PET scan

A CT scan uses X-ray beams to create a three-dimensional image of the inside structures of your body, sometimes with contrast dye. A PET scan uses radioactive tracers and a special dye to scan for cancer or detect parts of your organs that aren't functioning well on the cellular level.¹¹

CT and PET technologies are almost always combined to give your doctor a more well-rounded and three-dimensional look at your body for a better diagnosis.

MRI vs. PET scan

An MRI uses a strong magnet and radio waves to look at the inner structures of your body, especially soft tissue areas. It doesn't use radiation of any kind and may involve the use of a contrast dye.¹¹

While an MRI gives your doctor a good view of your organs and tissues, a PET scan examines the metabolic changes in your organs and tissues at a cellular level. This means that a PET scan can detect any type of disease at a much earlier stage.¹¹

Many radiology centers combine the technology of an MRI with a PET scan to create a precise, three-dimensional image for your doctor to evaluate.¹¹

Who Is a Good Candidate for a PET Scan?

Most people are good candidates for a PET scan. Your doctor will recommend a PET scan if they suspect you:²

• May have cancer or that your cancer has spread
• Have a neurological condition or injury
• Have a cardiovascular or heart function issue

You might not be a good candidate for a PET scan if you:¹²

• Are pregnant or nursing
• Are claustrophobic, though some medications can help
• Have uncontrolled diabetes with a blood sugar reading above 250 mg/dl
• Are allergic to IV contrast dye or the ingredients of the tracer

How Does a PET Scan Work?

A PET scan is an outpatient procedure that is non-invasive and takes place inside a tube-shaped machine. Unlike other types of imaging, you'll have to prepare for the test to ensure correct results.

Preparation

Prior to the test, you will receive an intravenous injection of a radioactive tracer known as a radionuclide.² The tracer, most commonly made up of glucose, water or ammonia and combined with radioactive material, is metabolized by the organs being investigated.¹³

You'll also need to take a few steps to avoid getting incorrect results for your test:¹⁴

• Refrain from exercising for 24 to 48 hours before your scan.
• Eliminate sugar and carbohydrates — including candy, desserts, bread, fruits, starchy vegetables, pasta, beans and cereal — from your diet for 24 hours before your test.
• Eat only proteins and non-starchy vegetables, such as meat, fish, poultry, spinach and kale, for 24 hours before your test.
• Maintain your diabetes for at least 48 hours before your test.
• Diabetic patients should stop insulin administration four hours prior to the test.¹²
• Avoid eating six hours or less before your test, limiting your intake to only water during that six-hour fasting period.

Procedure

When you arrive at the radiology center, you'll be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove all of your jewelry. Then, one to two hours before your exam, you'll be given an IV injection with the radioactive tracer (radionuclide) in your arm or hand.¹⁴

You'll sit and relax for an hour or two to give your body a chance to absorb the tracer. Afterward, you'll lie down with your arms positioned above your head on a narrow table before a radiology technician slides you into the tube-shaped PET/CT scanner.¹⁴

The PET scan itself usually takes between 10 and 45 minutes, depending on the parts of your body being tested.¹⁰ During this painless test, you must lie as still as possible; the tech will ask you to hold your breath for short periods of time.¹⁴

You may also receive contrast dye through your IV line during your test.¹⁵ Additionally, for some types of PET/CT scans of the abdomen or pelvis, your technician may insert a catheter for the duration of the test.²

Recovery tips

Because a PET scan is an outpatient procedure, you'll go home right after the test. You can return to your normal activities immediately.¹⁴

You can also take a few precautions to speed up your recovery and protect your loved ones:

• Avoid contact with pregnant people and children for 12 hours after the test.¹⁴
• Drink plenty of water and other liquids to help flush out the radioactive tracer, which should pass through your system completely within two days.¹⁴
• Call your doctor if you experience nasal congestion, itchy eyes, tremors, pain, nausea or vomiting, which could indicate an allergic reaction.¹⁵
• Don't breastfeed until 24 hours after the exam.¹⁵

Is a PET Scan Safe?

While a PET scan does expose you to some radiation, the amount is very low and the radioactive tracer passes through your body within a few hours. This makes PET scans a safe diagnostic procedure. However, as with any type of radiation exposure, there is a very small chance of potential tissue damage that could lead to cancer later.¹⁶

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Author Bio

Susan Paretts is a freelance writer with 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, pet care and more. Her work has been published by the American Kennel Club, Bayer Animal Health, Elanco, LIVESTRONG.com, The San Francisco Chronicle, Chewy and more.