How Much Does Intracranial Complete Study Cost?
Also known as: Intracranial complete study (CPT 93886)
Transcranial Doppler ultrasound measuring blood flow in brain arteries.
Intracranial Complete Study (CPT 93886) costs $270 at Medicare rates.
Patient Guide: Intracranial Complete Study
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
An ultrasound probe is placed on the temples and back of the head to measure blood flow velocity in the brain arteries.
How Long Does It Take?
30-60 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Sickle cell disease screening, stroke risk evaluation, vasospasm monitoring after brain hemorrhage, brain death evaluation
How to Prepare
No special preparation. Your hair does not need to be removed.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Intracranial complete study
How to Reduce Your Cost for Intracranial complete study
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.
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 (8.08) x CF ($33.40) = $270
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Intracranial complete study cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Intracranial complete study is $270. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Intracranial complete study cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Intracranial complete study 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 Intracranial complete study?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Intracranial complete study 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.