Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Bone Scan (Nuclear Medicine) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Body Bone Scan | $1,000 – $3,000 | $200 – $500 |
| Limited Bone Scan (single area) | $700 – $2,000 | $100 – $350 |
| Three-Phase Bone Scan | $1,000 – $2,500 | $200 – $450 |
| SPECT Bone Scan | $1,200 – $3,000 | $250 – $500 |
CPT/ADA Code: CPT 78300
What Affects the Cost
- Facility type (freestanding center vs. hospital — hospitals cost 2-3x more)
- Geographic location
- Complexity of the visit or test
- Whether additional tests or procedures are needed
- In-network vs. out-of-network provider
- Time of day (emergency/after-hours may cost more)
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Covered for cancer staging, unexplained bone pain, fracture evaluation
Most diagnostic tests and urgent care visits are covered when medically necessary with a doctor's order. You'll pay your deductible first, then coinsurance (typically 20-40%). Preventive screenings are covered at $0 under the ACA. Always use in-network providers to avoid surprise bills.
How to Save Money
- Freestanding facilities cost 50-70% less than hospital-based
- Ask for cash-pay pricing upfront — often 40-60% less than billed rate
- Compare prices on MDsave.com or Healthcare Bluebook
- Use urgent care instead of ER for non-emergencies (save $1,000+)
- Telehealth visits cost $50-$100 for many conditions
- Check if the service qualifies as preventive care ($0 with insurance)
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
A bone scan uses a radioactive tracer injected into your vein to detect areas of abnormal bone metabolism. It can find cancer that has spread to bones, stress fractures, infections (osteomyelitis), and conditions like Paget's disease.
A whole body bone scan costs $1,000-$3,000 without insurance. With insurance, expect $200-$500 after deductible and coinsurance. The cost includes the radioactive tracer, imaging, and radiologist interpretation.
No. A DEXA scan measures bone density for osteoporosis screening. A bone scan (nuclear medicine) uses a radioactive tracer to detect cancer, infections, or fractures. They serve completely different purposes.