CT Head Cost in California (2026): Average Prices & What You'll Pay

What does a ct head cost in California?

For a commercially insured patient, a ct head in California typically runs $731–$2,776 once facility and physician fees are combined. The median reported facility price across 217 hospitals is $1,557. The figures draw on CMS fee schedules and hospital price transparency data published under federal law.

Where ct head costs vary in California

Pins show hospitals with price-transparency data (colored by vs. state average) and nearby ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, and other facilities (colored by type). Click any pin for facility name and estimated cost range.

26+ people checked prices near them this month.

California has the most competitive commercial hospital market in the country, with aggressive multi-system competition in every major metro driving meaningful price variation. Kaiser Permanente's integrated payer-provider model covers roughly 40% of the insured population in the state - if you're Kaiser-enrolled, the prices here largely don't apply. California's robust price transparency enforcement under SB 1204 means the data here is more complete than in most states. Head CT pricing follows the site-of-service pattern of other imaging, but emergency use dominates - most head CTs are ordered in emergency rooms, where facility fees can add $1,000–$3,000 on top of the imaging charge. Planned outpatient head CTs for follow-up or surveillance at independent imaging centers cost a fraction of the ER equivalent. If your order is non-urgent, ask your doctor for an outpatient referral to a freestanding imaging center.

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Why prices vary - and what it means for your coverage

Setting matters too: the median outpatient price is $1,307 versus $2,038 inpatient (about 1.6× more), so where a procedure happens often matters more than which hospital you pick. Whether the scan happens in a hospital outpatient department (which adds a separate facility fee) or a freestanding imaging center is usually the single biggest driver of price for this procedure.

On top of the facility price, your actual bill depends on your deductible, your out-of-pocket maximum, and whether every provider involved - not just the facility - is in-network.

Frequently asked questions: CT Head costs in California

How much does a CT Head cost in California?

Across 217 California hospitals that publish prices, a CT Head ranges from $101 to $18,500, with a median of $1,557. Most facilities fall between $466 and $2,678. What you pay depends on the facility, your insurance, and whether you have met your deductible.

Where is the cheapest place to get a CT Head in California?

Based on declared prices, the lowest-cost facility in our California data is ADVENTIST HEALTH - HOWARD MEMORIAL at about $66. By metro, Orange has the lowest median ($478). Freestanding ambulatory surgery and imaging centers are often cheaper still and may not appear in hospital price data - ask your doctor whether one is an option.

Why is a CT Head so much cheaper at some California hospitals?

Prices vary up to 183.2× because each hospital sets its own list price, cash discount, and insurer-negotiated rates. In California, the median cash (self-pay) price is $1,557 versus a median negotiated rate of $135 - about 11.5× higher. Asking for the cash price or your insurer's negotiated rate is often the single biggest lever on what you pay.

How much will I actually pay out of pocket for a CT Head in California?

Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your deductible, coinsurance, out-of-pocket maximum, and whether the facility is in-network - not just the sticker price. If you have not met your deductible, you will typically pay the negotiated rate in full until you do. Use the CostKits cost forecaster to estimate your specific out-of-pocket amount before you go.

CostKits compiles hospital price transparency data to help families make informed decisions. Track and manage your healthcare costs (free account).