CT Scan (Head) Cost in State College, PA (2026): Average Prices & What You'll Pay
What does a ct scan (head) cost in State College, PA?
The same ct scan (head) in State College, PA might cost you $283 at one facility and $507 at another - the building you walk into drives the difference. The median cash price across 2 reporting hospitals is $395. These figures come straight from hospital price transparency files published under federal law.
Where ct scan (head) costs vary in State College, PA
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.
The same CT scan costs 3–6× more at a hospital than at an imaging center. Location is the biggest variable - and you can choose.
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Cheapest CT Scan (Head) Providers in State College, PA
Based on declared cash/self-pay prices from CMS hospital price transparency files.
| # | Facility | City | Price | vs Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Nittany Valley | Pleasant Gap, PA | $674 | +$279 |
Prices are declared self-pay rates. Contact each facility for a formal quote before scheduling.
Quick take
- Ask for the cash price if your deductible isn't met - the median cash price here is $395, and it's often lower than what insurance pays before your deductible is satisfied.
- Freestanding ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) are often 30-60% cheaper than hospital outpatient departments for the same procedure and may not appear in this hospital-only dataset - ask your doctor if one is an option.
Pennsylvania has a highly fragmented hospital market - Penn Medicine, Jefferson Health, Temple Health, and Tower Health compete in Philadelphia; UPMC and Highmark/Allegheny Health Network are engaged in one of the country's most litigated payer-provider disputes in Pittsburgh. The UPMC vs. Highmark conflict has directly affected patients' ability to use their insurance at in-network facilities. Rural Pennsylvania prices are substantially lower than the two major metro markets. 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 $116 versus $674 inpatient (about 5.8× 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.
None of the prices above are what you'll necessarily owe: your deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and each provider's network status all still apply.
| Your situation | Estimated out-of-pocket |
|---|---|
| Deductible not yet met | ~$395 |
| Deductible met - 20% coinsurance | ~$79 |
| Out-of-network provider | $869+ |
Frequently asked questions: CT Scan (Head) costs in State College, PA
How much does a CT Scan (Head) cost in State College, PA?
Across 2 State College, PA hospitals that publish prices, a CT Scan (Head) ranges from $116 to $674, with a median of $395. Most facilities fall between $256 and $507. 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 Scan (Head) in State College, PA?
Based on declared prices, the lowest-cost facility in our State College, PA data is Mount Nittany Health in State College at about $116. 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 Scan (Head) so much cheaper at some State College, PA hospitals?
Prices vary up to 5.8× because each hospital sets its own list price, cash discount, and insurer-negotiated rates. In State College, PA, the median cash (self-pay) price is $395 versus a median negotiated rate of $335 - about 1.2× 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 Scan (Head) in State College, PA?
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.
Before you book
- Deductible vs out-of-pocket max
- How to negotiate your medical bills
- EOB vs medical bill: complete guide
- Already have a bill? Check it for errors
- Understanding your UnitedHealthcare EOB
Other procedures in State College, PA
CT Scan (Head), elsewhere
What matters before you schedule
ASC vs. hospital
Hospital outpatient departments typically charge 2-4x more than ASCs or independent centers for the same ct scan (head) - same outcome, very different bill. The ER charges the most of any setting and should only be used when the situation is medically urgent. Call ahead and ask for a self-pay or cash quote at each setting you're considering.
With vs. without contrast
Which type your doctor orders for this ct scan (head) changes the billing code, and what you pay. For example: A standard ct scan (head) with no contrast dye - the most common and lowest-cost version.
This is shoppable
CT Scan (Head) is elective and schedulable, so you have time to compare facilities before booking - hospital outpatient prices often run 2-4x higher than alternative settings for the identical clinical outcome.
What to ask before you book
Get the CPT code from your doctor, confirm every provider involved (not just the facility) is in-network, ask for the cash-pay rate if you're uninsured or haven't met your deductible, and request a written estimate for ct scan (head) before you schedule.
CostKits compiles hospital price transparency data to help families make informed decisions. Track and manage your healthcare costs (free account).
Other Procedure Costs in State College, PA
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About the Author
John Caruso, FSA, MAAA
Healthcare actuary with 20+ years of experience in insurance pricing, medical billing systems, and healthcare cost analytics.
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