Procedure type
Imaging tests (MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray, DEXA)
Ten imaging studies that drive the bulk of outpatient diagnostic work. MRI and CT show the largest hospital-to-hospital price spreads in our data.
Procedures
10
in this collection
With data on file
10
0 pending hospital coverage
Hospital-procedure pairs
390
reported across CO
CMS shoppable
2 of 10
on the federal mandate list
Procedures in this collection
MRI of the Knee, Without Contrast
MRI of the knee without injected dye, used to evaluate joint pain, ligament tears, meniscal injury, and other soft-tissue conditions.
CPT 73721·Imaging
$611 – $2,747
39 hospitals · 25th–75th
MRI of the Brain, With and Without Contrast
Brain MRI with and without injected gadolinium contrast. Used to evaluate stroke, tumour, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions.
CPT 70553·Imaging
$662 – $3,524
39 hospitals · 25th–75th
MRI of the Lumbar Spine, Without Contrast
MRI of the lower back to evaluate disc herniation, stenosis, and nerve compression — a frequent imaging study in adults with chronic back pain.
CPT 72148·Imaging
$595 – $2,689
39 hospitals · 25th–75th
MRI of the Shoulder, Without Contrast
Shoulder MRI used to evaluate rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, and chronic shoulder pain.
CPT 73221·Imaging
$611 – $2,659
39 hospitals · 25th–75th
CT Scan of the Chest, Without Contrast
CT scan of the chest, used to evaluate lung nodules, persistent cough, and other chest cavity conditions.
CPT 71250·Imaging
$400 – $1,692
39 hospitals · 25th–75th
CT Abdomen and Pelvis, With Contrast
Combined CT of the abdomen and pelvis with IV contrast, used to evaluate abdominal pain, possible cancer, and many emergency presentations.
CPT 74177·ImagingCMS shoppable
$619 – $2,537
39 hospitals · 25th–75th
CT Head, Without Contrast
Non-contrast head CT, the workhorse imaging study for stroke, head injury, and acute neurological symptoms.
CPT 70450·Imaging
$383 – $1,417
39 hospitals · 25th–75th
Ultrasound of the Abdomen, Complete
Complete abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, and major vessels.
CPT 76700·ImagingCMS shoppable
$254 – $1,059
39 hospitals · 25th–75th
DEXA Scan (Bone Density)
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure bone mineral density. Recommended for women 65+ and men 70+ to screen for osteoporosis.
CPT 77080·ImagingMedicare preventive
$116 – $435
39 hospitals · 25th–75th
Chest X-Ray, Two Views
Standard two-view chest X-ray. The most common imaging study for pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and pre-operative clearance.
CPT 71046·Imaging
$110 – $414
39 hospitals · 25th–75th