How Much Does a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scan Cost?

A coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan is a quick, painless test that checks for plaque in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. It helps assess your risk for coronary artery disease — a type of heart disease that can lead to heart attacks — and can guide your healthcare team regarding preventive treatment. This screening isn’t typically covered by insurance, so most people pay out of pocket.

A CAC scan typically costs $100 to $400, depending on the hospital or imaging center that performs this test. Below, we explain what affects the cost, how to save money on this scan, and how to know if the test is right for you.

How much does a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan cost?

The average cost of a CAC is about $100 to $150, based on the GoodRx sample of prices nationwide in the chart below. Various factors affect the price, including the facility you choose. Here are examples of why costs vary:

• Some imaging centers offer flat-rate pricing for self-pay patients.

• You may be charged more if you require a follow-up appointment.

• During American Heart Month in February or other public health campaigns, some facilities offer discounted CAC scans as part of their awareness efforts.

Because insurance usually doesn’t cover CAC scans, it’s prudent to compare prices to find an affordable option. The chart below highlights how much a CAC scan costs at different locations nationwide.

CAC cost sampling

Will insurance cover a CAC scan?

Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, typically don’t cover CAC scans. That’s because this test is considered prescreening or preventive care, and not every insurance plan considers this test part of its preventive benefits.

Original Medicare generally doesn’t pay for a CAC scan unless it’s ordered for diagnostic purposes and meets strict coverage criteria. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) classifies CAC scans as not “reasonable and necessary” under standard Medicare guidelines. The majority of people with Medicare pay the full cost of the test out of pocket, but your Medicare Advantage plan may cover a CAC scan.

Commercial insurance plans may also decline coverage unless the scan is ordered as part of a broader diagnostic workup.

Getting the scan without insurance

If your insurance plan doesn’t cover the scan, you may still have options:

• Call your plan provider to ask if a CAC scan could be covered under any of your benefits.

• Ask your doctor to submit a prior authorization request or file a medical necessity appeal if the test is clinically recommended.

• Look for facilities that offer cash-pay discounts.

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When is a CAC scan needed?

A CAC scan isn’t recommended for everyone, but it can be helpful for certain people. A healthcare professional may order a CAC scan to evaluate your risk for coronary artery disease, especially if your risk level is unclear after traditional screening.

The scan is most often recommended for:

• Adults ages 40 to 75 who may need to start a cholesterol-lowering medication, like a statin

• People with high cholesterol levels or a family history of early heart disease

• Individuals with conditions like high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes

This scan isn’t usually recommended for people who have known heart disease or for people younger than 40 years old.

Is it worth getting a CAC scan?

For people who may be at high risk of developing a heart attack due to coronary artery disease, a CAC scan can offer valuable insight.

Your healthcare team may recommend treatment based on your CAC score such as:

• Lifestyle changes

• Medications, such as statins, that treat high cholesterol

• Additional testing

Ask a healthcare professional about the value of a CAC scan for you. They can walk you through whether the results would provide new information that could change your care.

Why doesn’t Medicare cover CAC scans?

Original Medicare doesn’t routinely cover CAC scans because CMS has not approved the scan as a covered preventive cardiovascular disease screening.

Are there ways to reduce CAC scan costs?

Yes. Even if your insurance doesn’t cover the test, there are ways to lower your out-of-pocket-costs:

• Compare prices at different facilities. Some imaging centers offer flat-rate or discounted pricing for self-pay patients.

• Ask about screening programs or community initiatives. Imaging centers may reduce the cost during Heart Month or other wellness campaigns.

• Check for bundled services. Some providers include the scan, a radiologist’s interpretation, and a follow-up visit at one price.

Most people pay $100 to $150 when they shop around and ask about self-pay pricing in advance.

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Written by:

Lisa Brooke Kaelin

Lisa Brooke Kaelin has more than two decades of multidisciplinary expertise spanning financial healthcare communication, corporate strategy, and investigative analysis. At GoodRx, she specializes in translating complex healthcare topics into accessible content.

Edited by:

Cindy George, MPH

Cindy George, MPH, is the senior personal finance editor at GoodRx. She is an endlessly curious health journalist and digital storyteller.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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