Let’s talk about something that’s probably been on your mind: how much does a heart scan actually cost? It’s a fair question, and one you deserve a straight answer to.
Here’s the bottom line: coronary calcium scans typically range from $49 to $400 depending on where you go, what technology they use, and where you live. Most facilities charge somewhere between $100 and $150. But honestly, the more important conversation isn’t about the price tag—it’s about what early detection could mean for your future.
Think of it this way: would you rather invest in knowing what’s happening in your heart now, or wait until symptoms force you into an emergency room? Knowledge gives you options. Waiting just gives you worry.
Understanding Heart Scan Pricing: The Complete Breakdown
Heart scan costs can vary quite a bit across the country and understanding why helps you make a choice that feels right for you. Most facilities charge between $49 and $400 for a coronary calcium score CT scan, with the sweet spot for self-pay patients landing between $100 and $150, according to recent pricing data.
Key Price Factors That Affect Your Cost
Where you live matters more than you might think. Urban medical centers in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami often charge $300 to $400 per scan. But head to suburban or regional facilities, and you’ll frequently find more competitive pricing—sometimes as low as $150, especially during promotional periods.
The technology makes a difference too. Advanced CT scanners that use lower radiation doses and capture higher-quality images typically come with higher price points. Older equipment might cost you less upfront but could mean longer scan times or less detailed results. Modern facilities invest in technology that gives you clearer answers while keeping your radiation exposure as low as possible—similar to what you’d get from a mammogram.
What’s included isn’t always obvious. Some places just give you the scan and send you on your way. Others provide the whole package: radiologist interpretation, detailed reports, time with medical professionals to explain your results, and guidance on what to do next. Knowing what’s included upfront saves you from surprise bills later.
Insurance and Payment Considerations
Here’s where things get a bit frustrating: Medicare and most private insurance plans don’t routinely cover coronary calcium scans for people without symptoms. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services hasn’t approved routine screening coverage yet. But there’s good news—some forward-thinking employers include preventive screenings in their wellness programs.
Look for package deals and promotions. Many facilities offer couples packages, family discounts, or seasonal pricing. Facilities like Craft Body Scan offer $149 couples Heart & Lung scan packages that give you comprehensive screening at a price that makes sense.
What’s Actually Included in Your Heart Scan Cost
When you’re comparing facilities, it helps to know exactly what you’re getting for your investment. Here’s what your heart scan cost should include:
The CT scanning procedure itself: This is the actual 10-15 minute scan using advanced imaging equipment to capture detailed pictures of your coronary arteries. Modern facilities use low-dose radiation protocols while still giving you high-quality images.
Board-certified radiologist interpretation: Experienced radiologists analyze your images, calculate your coronary calcium score, and flag anything that needs attention. This is where raw data becomes useful health information.
Detailed written reports: You should get comprehensive documentation that includes your calcium score, how you compare to others your age and gender, and clear recommendations for next steps.
Consultation services: Time with medical professionals who can explain what your calcium score means for your health and help you understand what to do with this information.
Follow-up recommendations: Clear guidance about whether you need to see a cardiologist, get additional testing, or make lifestyle changes.
Digital access: A secure way to view your images and reports online, which makes it easier to share with your healthcare team.
The Hidden Costs of Waiting: Why Early Detection Saves Money
Let’s be real about what happens if you wait too long. The cost of treating advanced heart disease makes preventive scanning look like pocket change.
Immediate Treatment Costs
A heart attack isn’t just terrifying—it’s financially devastating. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a basic heart attack hospitalization averages $21,500 for a typical stay. But that’s just the beginning. If you need interventions, costs escalate quickly.
Angioplasty procedures to open blocked arteries can run $28,000 or more when you factor in the procedure itself plus hospitalization. And if you require coronary artery bypass surgery, you’re looking at costs that typically range from $50,000 to $70,000, with some facilities charging significantly more depending on location and complexity.
Here’s what treatment can cost:
- Basic heart attack hospitalization: $21,500 average
- Heart attack with angioplasty: $28,000+ including procedure and care
- Coronary artery bypass surgery: $50,000-$70,000 or more
- Multiple readmissions for complications: Tens of thousands in additional costs
Long-term Financial Impact
Medications become a lifetime expense. If you develop cardiovascular disease, ongoing medication costs add up significantly. Research shows that over 1 million Medicare beneficiaries with cardiovascular conditions face out-of-pocket prescription drug costs exceeding $2,000 annually—and that’s just what patients pay, not the total cost. Statins, blood pressure medications, antiplatelet drugs, and other cardiac medications represent lifetime financial commitments for many heart disease patients.
Lost income often hurts more than medical bills. Heart attacks and cardiac procedures mean time away from work. For many people, it means reduced work capacity or even early retirement. The financial ripple effects extend far beyond the hospital bill.
Quality of life matters too. Yes, we’re talking about money here, but let’s not forget what really counts. Finding out about cardiovascular risk before symptoms appear gives you the chance to make changes, start treatments, and plan ahead. You get to stay in control of your health story instead of reacting to emergencies.
Craft Body Scan: Premium Value at Accessible Pricing
While heart scan costs vary all over the map, Craft Body Scan delivers real value through advanced technology, expert interpretation, and genuine patient support—all at pricing that won’t make you wince.
What Sets Craft Body Scan Apart
We use advanced CT technology that provides detailed, high-resolution images with low-dose radiation protocols. Our board-certified radiologists bring expertise that ensures you get accurate interpretation and appropriate recommendations. We believe comprehensive reporting should transform scan data into information you can actually use.
Our pricing structure is designed to make preventive screening accessible—because everyone deserves to know what’s happening with their heart. We have convenient locations across Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, and Oklahoma––and we’re opening more clinics at a rapid rate––so you can find a facility near you.
But what really matters is how we treat you. Our patient-focused service emphasizes education, support, and empowerment throughout your experience. We deliver fast, reliable results because we know waiting for health information creates anxiety.
Our $149 Couples Heart and Lung Scan provides exceptional value for partners who want to be proactive about cardiovascular health together, while individual scans remain competitively priced.
Insurance, Payment Options, and Financial Planning
Let’s talk about how to make this work financially. Most coronary calcium scans are self-pay procedures since insurance typically doesn’t cover screening for people without symptoms. But that doesn’t mean you’re without options.
Self-Pay and Direct Payment Options
Facilities generally offer competitive cash pricing designed to make scans accessible. Look for:
- Upfront pricing with no hidden fees
- Payment plans that spread the cost over several months
- Couples and family package discounts
- Seasonal promotional pricing
Tax-Advantaged Payment Methods
Here’s something many people don’t realize: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds can cover heart scans. Coronary calcium scans qualify as eligible medical expenses under IRS guidelines, which means you can use pre-tax dollars. This effectively reduces your cost by your tax bracket percentage. For example, if you’re in the 26% tax bracket, a $150 scan really only costs you $111. HSA funds can cover preventive screenings even without a physician’s referral, since body scans are considered diagnostic procedures.
FSA coverage works the same way, with 2025 contribution limits of $3,300 per employee. Just remember that unlike HSA funds, FSA money typically needs to be used within the plan year (with possible carryover of up to $660), so timing matters when you’re scheduling your scan. Both HSA and FSA funds can cover scans for your eligible dependents too, which helps with family screening.
Additional Financial Considerations
- Check with your employer about wellness programs that might include preventive screening benefits
- Talk to your tax professional about potential deductions for medical expenses exceeding certain thresholds
- Plan strategically to maximize FSA benefits before year-end deadlines
- Coordinate family scans to take advantage of better package pricing
Making the Investment: Your Next Steps
A heart scan is a small investment in your long-term health and peace of mind. When you weigh it against the potential costs—both financial and personal—of treating advanced cardiovascular disease, preventive scanning makes sense.
Don’t let cost concerns keep you from taking control of your cardiovascular health. The benefits of early detection, both for your wellbeing and your wallet, far outweigh the upfront investment. Your heart—and your future self—will thank you for being proactive.
Ready to schedule your heart scan? Contact Craft Body Scan today to discuss pricing, package options, and appointment availability. Take that first step toward cardiovascular peace of mind.
Have questions about costs or coverage? Our patient coordinators can walk you through pricing options, discuss payment plans, and help you understand the real value of preventive cardiovascular screening.
Concerned about what your scan might reveal? We get it. But remember: knowledge empowers action. Early detection gives you the opportunity to intervene, prevent serious cardiac events, reduce potential treatment costs, and protect your quality of life. Not knowing doesn’t make problems go away—it just takes away your ability to do something about them.
Schedule your Craft Body Scan today and take the first step toward early detection and genuine peace of mind. Your investment in preventive care today protects your health and financial security tomorrow.
