CT Scan Cost in Salt Lake City: Clinic vs. Hospital (2025)
CT scans in Salt Lake City show some of the most dramatic price gaps of any medical procedure. An abdominal CT scan at an independent imaging center costs $200–$500. The same scan at an Intermountain or University of Utah outpatient department can cost $2,000–$3,000. Here's how to pay less for the exact same scan.
CT scan prices in Salt Lake City
Cash pay CT scan prices in the SLC area:
• CT Head/Brain (CPT 70450): $150 – $1,800 • CT Chest (CPT 71250): $200 – $2,200 • CT Abdomen & Pelvis with contrast (CPT 74177): $200 – $3,000 • CT Spine – Lumbar (CPT 72133): $180 – $2,000
The lowest prices are almost exclusively at freestanding imaging centers. Hospital outpatient imaging adds a facility fee that can increase the total cost 5–10x.
SLC hospital vs. imaging center: the real difference
Salt Lake City's healthcare market is dominated by Intermountain Health and University of Utah Health — two large systems with premium pricing. Their CT scan prices reflect hospital overhead, not scan quality.
Freestanding imaging centers in the Salt Lake Valley offer the same scan quality (same equipment manufacturers, board-certified radiologists) at a fraction of the cost. For patients paying cash or on high-deductible plans, the savings can be $1,000 or more per scan.
How to get a cheaper CT scan in Salt Lake City
1. Compare prices on Prevu Med before scheduling — prices vary widely even between independent centers. 2. Ask your doctor to send the order to a freestanding imaging center rather than a hospital department. 3. Tell the scheduler you're paying cash and ask about self-pay rates. 4. For non-urgent scans, you typically have flexibility on timing — use it to find the best price. 5. If you have insurance and haven't met your deductible, the cash price at an imaging center may be lower than your insurance rate at a hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CT scan cost in Salt Lake City without insurance?
CT scans in Salt Lake City cost $150–$500 at independent imaging centers. Hospital outpatient CT scans at Intermountain or University of Utah facilities cost $1,500–$3,000+ for the same scan types.
Is a CT scan at an imaging center as accurate as at a hospital?
Yes. Independent imaging centers use the same CT equipment and the scans are read by board-certified radiologists. The quality is identical — only the price differs due to hospital overhead and facility fees.
How long does a CT scan take?
The scan itself takes 5–20 minutes. With prep and checkout, plan for 30–60 minutes at most facilities. Results are typically available within 24–48 hours.
Do I need contrast for a CT scan?
It depends on what's being evaluated. Contrast (an injected dye) improves visibility of blood vessels, tumors, and inflammation. Your doctor's order will specify whether contrast is needed. Contrast adds $50–$100 to the cash pay price at most facilities.
See actual cash pay prices from providers nationwide for CT Scan.
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