Angiography is a medical imaging method used for visualizing the blood vessels in the body including the chest, back, body, arms, belly or legs. These images, taken may either be motionless pictures, presented on an image intensifier or film, or motion pictures, are called angiograms.
The method has a lot of uses and can take images of different parts of the body that are needed to be carefully examined. Test on different body parts is done and billed separately. The angiography cost will vary depending on the body part tested and geographic location.
If you are planning to get an angiography, it is best if you know how much does an angiogram costs.
Average Angiography Test Cost
- The average angiography cost is typically within the range of $2500 up to $100000 if you do not have a health insurance policy to cover for the angiography test. The angiogram’s cost could still go more expensive than the aforementioned range depending on the part or parts of the body being examined.
- If you do have a health insurance policy, most of the time angiography is covered if it is medically necessary. The angiography test cost would then include 10% to 60% or more copay or coinsurance. If you are not sure if your health insurance has a coverage for this test, it would be helpful if you contact your health insurance provider to confirm your benefits.
- If you have a Medicare insurance and qualify for a Part B coverage, the angiography test can be covered if your health care provider determines the test as medically necessary. However, there are deductibles and copayments that may apply. You can visit the Medicare website at medicare.gov for further information.
- If you have a Medicaid insurance, coverage may vary depending on which state you live in. It is strongly recommended that you check with your insurance provider whether the procedure has coverage in your area. You can visit the Medicaid website at medicare.gov for further information.
- Generally, the angiography’s cost can vary depending on the parts of the body being tested, the medical facility, the geographic location and health insurance coverage.
Types of Angiography Test and Cost
As previously mentioned, the cost of an angiography test would vary depending on the type of angiography test is needed or parts of the body needed to be tested.
- A chest angiography typically ranges from $450 up to $10900 maximum. If you are looking for a cheaper chest angiography price, the Medical Imaging Center in Hoffman Estates, Illinois offers the test for around $20 to $50 only.
- An abdominal angiography costs around $550 up to $1200. However, Madisonville MRI in Kentucky is the only diagnostic testing facility that offers an abdominal angiography in the United States of America.
- An adrenal gland angiography averages from $430 to $23100. If you are looking for a cheaper adrenal gland angiography, the Gateway Radiology in Poway, California offers the test for an average of $90 to $170.
- An arm angiography’s minimum cost is $340 and a maximum cost of $16400.
- A kidney angiography is one of the most expensive types of angiography test. Its national minimum price is around $1800 and a maximum price of $41700. A diagnostic testing facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota called Sanford Clinic Radiology offer the test for at least $470.
- A spine angiography’s average cost is around $1750 up to $33700. San Diego, California has the least average cost of spine angiography which is around $440 up to $1150. The Gateway Radiology in Poway, it offers this test for an average price range of $90 to $170.
- A blood vessel angiography’s national minimum price is $1450 and maximum price is $63700. In Colorado, there is a few list of the diagnostic testing facility which offers blood vessel angiography at around $550 up to $1200 such as the Cherry Creek Imaging Center, Colorado Heart and Body Imaging, Denver Integrated Imaging, Denver Integrated Imaging South, Diversified Radiology of Colorado and more.
- If you want to compare prices of angiography test within or near your area, New Choice Health can help you to search for the best facility for you. They provide general information about the diagnostic facility such as where it is located and how much they charge for a procedure.
- There are certain states and medical facilities whose price for the same angiography test is more expensive than others.
Extra Costs
- There could be more tests required before taking the angiography. Follow-up office visits with your health care provider will also be needed. These additional tests and office visits will definitely cost you more.
- Once the angiography test has been completed, you will need to go a recovery room for an hour or more before you could be released. Other hospitals and outpatient clinic typically include this in the initial quota, but some will charge an additional.
- During the test, medical treatments can be executed such as the removal of a small blockage in the blood vessel.
- The additional cost would be involved if you have additional requests.
- Without health insurance policy, the angiogram test will definitely cost more.
- Whenever necessary, you will be advised to consult another specialist such as pulmonologist and cardiologist before undergoing the procedure. This consultation will not be free, might as well be ready to prepare for an extra money.
- Side effects, such as soreness and bruising, can occur after taking an angiography test. There are also risks involved such as heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, blood vessel damage, internal hemorrhage, life-threatening allergic reaction, breathing complications, light-headedness, loss of consciousness and more. Although these complications are very rare where one for every a thousand of people can have a stroke, additional medication and, of course, extra charges will be necessary.
Ways to Save Money
Angiography procedure is undeniably expensive. However, there are ways to save some money. Here are some tips you might find useful.
- Scout for near medical facilities which offer angiography test. In this way, you can save up some money intended for travel expenses. Also, you will have the opportunity to see and assess the facilities personally.
- Do some researches. Compare prices, ask for advice, seek testimonies and consult your doctor. Ask what possible side effects or life-threatening complications can the test cause. Always be informed. Remember! An informed patient will never go wrong with his or her choices!
- Save some dollars by getting insured. You can apply for a family or an individual plan depending on your choice. The premiums you pay each month for your health insurance is nothing compared to the money you could save in the long run.
- There are numerous hospitals that offer 30% or more discounts to uninsured or cash-paying patients.
- If you are insured, though, contact your health insurance provider if the angiography procedure is covered by your insurance. Do not go and get an angiography test if you still do not know your benefits.
- Prevention is always better than cure. Live an active, fit and healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly and eating and drinking nutritious food and drinks. Live a positive life and never let any negativity ruin your mental health. There have been many studies that linked mental stability to being physically fit. Therefore, stay happy!