Imaging
PET scan, skull base to mid-thigh cost in California
PET scan, skull base to mid-thigh 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 87 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $4,060 (most listed prices $1,459–$11,271).
Cheapest in California
- $231
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Mendocino Coast price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,229
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Mercy Medical Center Merced price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,830
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $1,830
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $1,830
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $1,830
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $1,839
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Valley Presbyterian Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital San FranciscoPET scan, skull base to mid-thighScan only$2,444
The radiologist read is billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Benioff Children's Hosp price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $2,483
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: White Memorial Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $2,504
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Queen of The Valley Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $2,637
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: St. Elizabeth Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $2,808
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: County of Ventura 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.