PET scan costs vary depending on technical, laboratory, and FDG radiopharmaceutical expenses, as well as the location of the testing facility. Technical expenses are the largest contributor, influenced by equipment type and scan requirements. FDG radiopharmaceutical and lab fees also impact costs. Patients can save money by comparing quotes.
The cost of a positron emission tomography (PET) scan can vary considerably between testing facilities. There are a few main factors that affect the overall cost of a PET scan, including technical expenses, laboratory expenses, and FDG radiopharmaceutical expenses. Patients, however, can usually save money if they compare quotes before having a procedure since all three of these factors can vary between testing facilities. Additionally, the location of the test facility can also affect the final cost of a PET scan. Of these major factors, there are various contributors that can affect the individual cost of associated fees as well as the total cost.
Technical expenses usually contribute the majority of the cost associated with a PET scan. Counting the cost of performing the PET scan, the technical costs are influenced by a number of contributors. Considering the type of scan and the type of equipment used, both are very important contributors to the cost of technical expenses. Business analytics research shows that there are significant changes in costs associated with different PET scanner models. From the initial cost and ongoing maintenance of the equipment at the test facility to the training required for personnel to use the equipment effectively, the usefulness of the equipment makes a big difference in cost which is often reflected in the charge for technical expenses.
The scan requirements themselves will also have a negative impact on the cost of a PET scan. For example, a scan of a small region of the body usually takes less time and resources to conduct. Therefore, such procedures are not as expensive as a more extensive scan. Sometimes, even for a major scan, the costs of using PET versus invasive surgery can be a significant cost-cutting strategy, particularly if the scan can help doctors accurately diagnose a disorder. Patients should take this possibility into account when determining hard and soft costs.
FDG radiopharmaceutical fees and lab fees are also added to the total procedure or even charged as separate line items, but both are still part of the total cost of a PET scan. The FDG radiopharmaceutical is the radioactive element injected into the patient before undergoing a PET scan; how the test facility obtains the FDG and how it is retained until use can make a big difference in the underlying costs that appear next to this line item. Laboratory expenses are another item to consider, which relates to the results of the radiologist’s interpretation. While perhaps more consistent across testing facilities than other rates, there are still differences. The location of the testing facility can impact all of these associated expenses and often manifests itself in the rate of the laboratory as well, with urban facilities often charging less due to more patients accessing PET services on a regular basis.
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