How much does a CT, or CAT scan cost?

So, I have just been recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.....a type of cancer....

I know this is the last thing that I should be worrying about, but my family is, by no means wealthy or well off (and never have been) and neither am I..... I live by myself, going to school part time and work full time.....
Anyway,
I have to go do a CT or CAT scan this Thursday and I have to pay for it myself.... my insurance does not cover it because I have a 12 month pre-existing, which means, since I haven't had that insurance for 12 months, they will not cover me :(
I thought that I had good insurance cause I'm a public servant, and it's insurance issued by the gov't.....
I live in Tx and they just called me today telling me that I have to pay for the CT scan out of pocket :(
Anyone know the cost for something like this?

Ok it depends on where you live (city or rural hospital) it depends on what type ct scan exactly. Is is with contrast without contrast ............ drinking contrast? I work in a hospital and did billing for like 6 years. I can tell you that they vary from $1,000 to over $8,000 depending on what exactly they order. You might want to check as most hospitals have "charity" care and the income limits are actually usually pretty "high". If this is not an option usually if they know that you have to pay for it yourself you could call them ahead of time for a price and offer a "deal" like they would with insurance. Most places are willing to accept less for payment as long as its received within a certain amount of time. It can't hurt to try. If you know what kind exactly I can try to give you a better idea of a more accurate price though. Good luck and sorry to hear of your troubles!

Mine cost 7000 bucks my insurance got it tho

It may vary, but probably around $1000. I am sure wherever you end up getting the CT done will help set up a payment plan for you. Just talk to a financial person and let them know your situation. Good luck! Stay strong!

Well, an MRI costs about $2500. I'm guessing that aCT cost around $1500 to $2000

It depends where you go, but they tend to be ridiculously expensive. Where I went they tried to charge me $2500.
They asked me if I had insurance and I said no, and suddenly the price went down to $500.

Make sure they know you don't have insurance and you are paying for it out of pocket. Most medical places charge you based on whether you have insurance or not. I would get a quote up front before you do it. At the very least it will probably be a few hundred dollars.

The hospital where I work gives anyone that has to pay for a test themselves a sixty percent discount.
Ask for the discount.
Dont stop with the person on the front end, ask for the business office manger or Chief Financial Officer.
Tell them you will have to set up payments if you must.
The Dr office can call the facility for you or write on your Dr order for the CT Medically Emergent, which means the test must be done...not put off if you can not pay.
AND

There are CT scan machines at free standing facilities now so COMPARE prices. There is a HUGE difference is charges at all facilities.
Get out the phone book in your area and search.

Talk to these people and DON"T SIGN ANYTHING until you do.

http://www.patientadvocate.org/

Very Costly. However, you can get a supplemental coverage that kicks in right away with no waiting periods for MRI, CAT scans and other diagnostic procedures. It's called MySimpleCard.