June 7, 2018
We looked at cost data for a computed tomography (CT) scan of the lower back, without contrast dye. Below are the average total costs for these diagnostic procedures, based on allowed amounts, as described at the close of the article. Patients’ out-of-pocket costs may be less.
Region |
Minimum |
Average |
Maximum |
Anchorage |
$1,575 |
$1,656 |
$1,736 |
Fairbanks |
$1,108 |
$1,354 |
$1,599 |
What can you do?
As we partner with our providers to make healthcare work better, our goal is to ensure that our members receive the right service at a fair price. Ask your administrator if your practice refers patients to a cost-effective provider of imaging services. You can also use the AIM OptiNet® Tool to guide your patients to high-value, lower-cost imaging facilities. Visit AIM’s ProviderPortal to enroll.
Do you know the costs of care for your patients? Care costs vary greatly in Alaska, depending on location and the provider organization. In this series of articles, we’ll show care costs based on approximately 4,000 claims in Alaska. The data reflects a year’s worth of claims from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. The costs shown are allowed amounts—amounts paid by Premera and our members for care, based on contracts between Premera and healthcare providers. Costs are rounded to the nearest dollar.