Imaging
CT scan of head/brain without contrast cost in North Carolina
CT scan of head/brain without contrast 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 North Carolina
From 124 hospital and 1 clinic prices in North Carolina.
Nationwide typical: $1,176 (most listed prices $308–$3,261).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: With contrast is 70460; without and with is 70470.
Cheapest in North Carolina
Total price
CT scan of head/brain without contrast
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 North Carolina, from 125 providers. Most listed prices: $780–$2,665.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital$179Hospital · ElkinEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $222
- CarolinaEast Medical Center$322Hospital · New BernEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $78est. $179 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $122est. $222 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Granville Health System price file · checked Oct 2026 - $221est. $322 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: CarolinaEast Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Novant Health Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass HealthCT scan of head/brain (no contrast)Scan only$438est. $539 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Novant Health Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliat price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $439est. $540 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
- Duke Raleigh Hospital a Campus of Duke University HospitalCT scan of head/brain (no contrast)Scan only$452est. $553 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Duke Raleigh Hospital a Campus of Duke University price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $452est. $553 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Duke Regional Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Ashe Memorial HospitalHead or brain CT scan without contrast to examine injury, foreign bodies, or tumors [HCPCS 70450] · CT head without contrastAsk what's included$640est. $640 totalSource: hospitalpricelists.org · checked Oct 2026
- $540est. $641 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Iredell Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $679
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Alamance Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $679
The radiologist read is billed separately. +3 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Annie Penn Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $695
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: UNC Rockingham Health Care price file · checked Oct 2026
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.