(EG, INCLUDES ASSESSMENT FOR PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF: MALIGNANCY, LIVER DISEASE, CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASE, RENAL DISEASE, CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE, ASTHMA, DIABETES, OTHER CO-MORBID CONDITIONS) (CAP) Cost in Birmingham, AL

Hospital charges for (eg, includes assessment for presence or absence of: malignancy, liver disease, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, other co-morbid conditions) (cap) in Birmingham, AL vary widely based on facility type, geographic competition, and payer mix.

When comparing (eg, includes assessment for presence or absence of: malignancy, liver disease, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, other co-morbid conditions) (cap) prices, the facility type matters enormously. Independent imaging centers in Birmingham, AL frequently offer cash prices well below hospital rates because they operate with lower overhead and no hospital facility fee.

In Birmingham, AL, (eg, includes assessment for presence or absence of: malignancy, liver disease, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, other co-morbid conditions) (cap) is available at both hospital outpatient departments and independent imaging centers. The price difference between these settings is often the single largest factor in your total bill.

Hospital outpatient departments include a facility fee that independent centers don't charge. This fee alone can add $200–$1,500+ to the cost of a (eg, includes assessment for presence or absence of: malignancy, liver disease, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, other co-morbid conditions) (cap). The clinical quality of the scan is generally comparable between settings when performed by qualified technologists.

Before scheduling, ask your referring physician whether an independent center is appropriate for your clinical situation. For routine diagnostic imaging, many patients achieve significant savings at freestanding centers.

If you're paying out of pocket for (eg, includes assessment for presence or absence of: malignancy, liver disease, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, other co-morbid conditions) (cap) in Birmingham, AL, you may be able to negotiate a rate lower than the hospital's published list price. Federal law requires hospitals to post cash-pay rates, making it easier to compare options before scheduling.

For insured patients, the negotiated rate between your plan and the hospital determines your cost share. If you haven't met your deductible, you may pay more than the cash price. It's worth asking the hospital whether their self-pay rate is lower than what your insurance would charge — some patients save money by not filing a claim.