An early October 2020 issue of Radiology Business has reported that the nation’s fourth largest commercial insurer has officially stopped covering most hospital-based CT and MR imaging after briefly shelving the proposal amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision was to go into effect back in early spring, but a decision was made to delay by 120 days.
“A lower cost alternative”
An announcement made by the company touted more cost-effective alternatives for insurance members who receive a recommendation for an advanced imaging exam, stating “Freestanding imaging facilities may offer Cigna members a lower cost alternative than a hospital-based imaging department or facility for medically necessary non-emergent imaging procedures.”This isn’t the first health insurance provider to make this type of decision. According to Radiology Business, “In 2017, Anthem, the country’s second biggest payer, implemented a similar policy in 2017. At the time, company officials said some patients could save upward of $1,000 out of pocket for some imaging services by opting to visit a freestanding center. One analysis that year estimated that MRI and CT exams could cost upward of 149% more at a hospital compared to a freestanding center.”
Why pay more when you don’t have to?
For years, Capitol Imaging Services has touted our high-quality testing being more affordable for people who may have to pay some or all of the fees associated with a test such as a CT or MRI scan. For people with insurance deductibles, copays and coinsurance, this is a major savings advantage. With at least 50 percent of working adults in the United States having health insurance coverage that includes a deductible, choosing a more affordable alternative (while not sacrificing quality) is highly desired. Capitol Imaging Services is a freestanding imaging provider that only does one thing: screening and diagnostic testing.
Be a savvy consumer. Take time to compare fees and make an informed decision. Capitol Imaging Services offers a PRICE ESTIMATE tool that provides a good faith estimate of any fees you would have to pay for your testing.
Click here to receive an estimate and one of our experienced patient services associates will assist you with your request. We love to save people money on healthcare!
Choose independent and save. Choose Capitol Imaging Services: doctor trusted and patient preferred.
