Imaging
Cardiac PET, metabolic (viability) evaluation, single study cost in California
Cardiac PET, metabolic (viability) evaluation, single study is an imaging test. Cash prices for imaging vary widely: hospitals often charge several times what an independent imaging center charges for the same scan.
Typical cash price
In California
From 83 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $4,084 (most listed prices $1,528–$8,270).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: Often paired with a PET perfusion study (78491/78492), which is billed separately. The version with concurrent CT uses 78429 and is not equivalent.
Cheapest in California
Total price
Cardiac PET, metabolic (viability) evaluation, single study
The scan + the radiologist's read
How totals are compared
Every total covers the same bundle: the scan + the radiologist's read. Where a hospital does not publish a part, the typical published amount is added and the total is marked estimated.
In California, from 83 providers. Most listed prices: $1,518–$6,792.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Providence Holy Cross Medical Center$818Hospital · Mission HillsEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $1,021
- Bakersfield Memorial Hospital$1,359Hospital · BakersfieldEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San FranciscoHeart PET scan, metabolism evaluation, single studyRead only$764
+1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Benioff Children's Hosp price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $693est. $818 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Providence Holy Cross Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $897est. $1,021 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Mercy Medical Center Merced price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,235est. $1,359 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Bakersfield Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,248est. $1,373 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Mercy Hospitals – Bakersfield price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,324est. $1,449 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: El Camino Hospital (Los Gatos) price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,393est. $1,518 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Green Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,393est. $1,518 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,393est. $1,518 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,393est. $1,518 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,393est. $1,518 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,674
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Enloe Health price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for Cardiac PET, metabolic (viability) evaluation, single study
Common questions
Is the radiologist's read included?
Not always. Hospitals usually list the scan (technical fee) and the radiologist's read (professional fee) separately. Many imaging centers quote one all-in price. Look for the "All-in", "Scan only" or "Read only" label on each price.
Do I need a referral?
Most imaging tests need an order from a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Some imaging centers can arrange one; ask when you call.
Why are prices so different?
Each hospital and clinic sets its own cash price. Hospitals publish prices because federal rules require it; clinics and booking sites set prices to compete. The same service can cost several times more at one place than at another nearby.
Can I pay cash if I have insurance?
Yes. You can choose to self-pay. A cash price is often lower than what you would pay before meeting your deductible. Cash payments may not count toward your deductible, so check with your plan. Our cash vs. insurance tool can help you decide.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you are uninsured or paying cash, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate of the cost on request. If your final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it.