How Much Does Bone Imaging Limited Area Cost?
Also known as: Bone imaging limited area (CPT 78300)
A bone scan using a small amount of radioactive tracer to look for bone abnormalities throughout your entire skeleton.
Bone Imaging Limited Area (CPT 78300) costs $199 at Medicare rates.
The rates shown below represent the complete Medicare reimbursement for this service. No separate facility fee applies for this type of procedure.
Patient Guide: Bone Imaging Limited Area
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
A small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein. You wait 2-3 hours for it to circulate, then lie on a table while a special camera takes images of your entire skeleton. The scan itself takes about 30-60 minutes.
How Long Does It Take?
3-4 hours total (including waiting time)
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Cancer spread to bones, unexplained bone pain, stress fracture, bone infection, arthritis evaluation
How to Prepare
Drink plenty of water after the injection to help clear the tracer. Empty your bladder before the scan. No special fasting needed.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside Bone imaging limited area
How to Reduce Your Cost for Bone imaging limited area
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 (5.97) x CF ($33.40) = $199
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Bone imaging limited area cost?
The Medicare facility rate for Bone imaging limited area is $199. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does Bone imaging limited area cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of Bone imaging limited area 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 Bone imaging limited area?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover Bone imaging limited area 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.