How Much Does Nuclear Heart Scan (Myocardial Perfusion Imaging) Cost?
Also known as: Ht muscle image spect mult (CPT 78452)
A test using a small amount of radioactive tracer to show blood flow to the heart muscle at rest and during stress.
Nuclear Heart Scan (Myocardial Perfusion Imaging) (CPT 78452) costs $428 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $1.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much Ht muscle image spect mult costs across different settings and payers
Patient Guide: Nuclear Heart Scan (Myocardial Perfusion Imaging)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
A small amount of radioactive tracer is injected through an IV. A special camera takes pictures of your heart. The test is done at rest and after exercise or medication-induced stress.
How Long Does It Take?
3-4 hours total (two separate imaging sessions)
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Chest pain evaluation, coronary artery disease screening, heart attack risk assessment, abnormal stress test follow-up
How to Prepare
Fast for 4-6 hours. Avoid caffeine for 24 hours. Wear comfortable clothes for exercise. Ask about holding medications.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Ht muscle image spect mult
How to Reduce Your Cost for Ht muscle image spect mult
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Costs can vary 2-3x between providers in the same city. Get quotes from multiple facilities.
- 4 Check ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
This procedure is available at ASCs for $719, compared to $1 at hospital outpatient departments. ASCs often offer lower costs with comparable quality.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (12.81) x CF ($33.40) = $428
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ht muscle image spect mult cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Ht muscle image spect mult is $428. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $1. At an ambulatory surgery center, the rate is $719. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Ht muscle image spect mult cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Ht muscle image spect mult can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover Ht muscle image spect mult?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Ht muscle image spect mult when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.