What Is Global Billing?

Healthcare can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to billing. Between insurance terminology, explanation-of-benefits statements, and multiple invoices from different providers, patients are often left trying to piece together what they owe and why.

At Capitol Imaging Services (CIS), we believe medical imaging should be straightforward, both clinically and financially. That’s why we focus on clear communication, simplified billing, and tools that help you understand your costs before you schedule an exam.

One of the most important financial benefits we offer patients, when appropriate, is something called global billing.

In simple terms, global billing means one bill for your entire imaging exam, rather than multiple bills arriving weeks or months apart from different entities involved in your care. In some cases, contrast agents or isotopes may be billed separately, depending on how your insurance payor requires us to submit those charges.

When you have an imaging exam at Capitol Imaging Services—such as an MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray—your global bill includes everything related to that exam.

This includes the imaging scan itself, the radiology interpretation (where a board-certified radiologist reviews your images and sends findings to the provider who ordered your exam), and the use of our imaging center, including equipment, staff, and facility services.

In some cases, contrast agents or isotopes may be billed separately, depending on how your insurance payor requires those charges to be submitted.

Many patients are accustomed to receiving two or even three separate bills for these same components when imaging is performed in hospital-based settings. Global billing reduces that confusion by consolidating most services into a single, easy-to-understand charge.

Receiving multiple bills from different providers is a major contributor to the complexity—and frustration—of healthcare. By offering global billing for every screening and diagnostic exam we perform, Capitol Imaging Services helps reduce surprises and minimize unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

This approach not only simplifies your experience, but often results in meaningful cost savings, particularly for patients with high deductibles or limited insurance coverage. It’s one more reason patients choose CIS for imaging in our relaxed, comfortable outpatient environments.

In addition to global billing, Capitol Imaging Services offers a Request an Imaging Price Estimate tool to help patients better understand the potential cost of an imaging exam before scheduling.

Using our online Imaging Price Estimate form, you can request a good faith estimate based on your exam type, insurance information, and provider details. To provide the most accurate estimate possible, we need a copy of your imaging order and your insurance information.

Imaging orders often include important details that affect pricing. For example, an order may specify whether one or both sides of the body are being examined (such as one knee versus both knees) or the number and type of X-ray views needed (such as a single view versus a five-view series). These details can significantly change the cost of an exam.

Insurance information is also essential. Even within the same insurance company, there can be many different plan types and coverage rules. Providing a copy of your insurance card helps us determine the most accurate estimate for your specific policy.

The more information you’re able to provide, the more accurate your estimate will be. If you’re missing some details, your physician’s office may be able to help. If not, simply submit what you have, and our team will follow up as needed.

Once the process is completed, a written estimate will be sent to the email address you provide, allowing you to make informed decisions about your care with fewer financial unknowns.

Good faith estimates are also affected by your insurance deductible and what your plan has processed at the time we submit your request. Your deductible balance can change based on recent or upcoming medical services, such as office visits, physical therapy, prescriptions, or other procedures.

Insurance claims are processed in the order they are received, and we can only base your estimate on what your insurance has processed at the moment we request your benefits information. This means your actual responsibility may change if other claims are processed before or after your imaging exam.

For example, you may receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) showing that you owed less than expected. This can happen if other charges were processed before our claim, reducing your deductible balance. If you paid more than your final responsibility, we will issue a refund for any overpayment.

Capitol Imaging Services is the largest independent radiology practice of its kind serving the Southeastern United States. Not only do we perform imaging exams such as MRI and CT scans, but we also provide the radiology expertise to interpret images and communicate critical findings to physicians and other healthcare providers.

This integrated approach supports better coordination of care while maintaining the affordability and transparency patients expect from an independent outpatient imaging provider.

To get started, click here to request an appointment. A Capitol Imaging Services associate will contact you to help arrange your visit and answer any questions you may have. Capitol Imaging Services is doctor trusted and patient preferred.