How Much Does a Private CT Scan Cost in the UK?
If you have unexplained pain or discomfort, CT scanning may be helpful to investigate the underlying cause. With a private CT scan, you can avoid NHS waiting lists and benefit from rapid access to the clarity you need. So, how much is it for a private CT scan?
The cost of a private CT varies depending on your provider. In general, it is less expensive than an MRI scan, which uses radio waves, but more expensive than an ultrasound scan, which uses sound waves. At Vista Health, our private CT scans start from £445.
Here, we will explore the factors that affect the cost of a private CT scan, how a CT scan works, how to book a private CT scan, and how long it takes to get your results.
First, it helps to understand what a CT scan is, what CT stands for, and how it works.
CT scan explained
A computed tomography scan (formerly CAT scan) usually takes 10–30 minutes and uses a combination of computer technology and X-rays (a type of ionising radiation) to create detailed images of the inside of your body.
They can image different body parts or your entire body. CT scans capture images in more detail than an X ray. Although they use more ionising radiation than an X-ray, the doses are still considered low.
Eg if we compare X ray radiation to a computerised tomography imaging test of your chest cavity, a chest X-ray uses 0.1 mSv of radiation, while a chest CT scan uses 6.1 mSv, which is equivalent to the amount of ionising radiation you are exposed to from the environment over two years.
The main components of a CT scanner are a gantry containing a doughnut-shaped ring (this ring rotates), an examination table, and a computer.
What happens during a CT scan?
Before your scan, you will be asked to remove all metal items eg clothes containing metal zips and buttons, metal hair accessories and metal jewellery. Metal can interfere with the scan and cause distortions in the images created. You will then be given a hospital gown to change into.
During your scan, you will be asked to lie back on the examination table. The table will be slid into the ring. Once in the ring, narrow beams of X-rays will be released from the ring at different angles as it rotates around your body. Unlike with an MRI machine, the scanning process will not make any loud noises.
Certain body tissues will absorb more X-rays than others. Dense tissues such as bone absorb the most, while areas where there is more air or fluid, such as the lungs, absorb less.
X-rays that are not absorbed pass through your body and are detected by sensors inside the ring. This information is transmitted to a computer, which converts the X-ray signals into images.
Your CT scan images
The X-ray signals detected during your scan are converted into 2D greyscale images using computer technology. These images are stitched together to form a 3D picture of the inside of your body and used alongside your medical history to diagnose conditions.
Dense body tissues appear whiter, while less dense tissues appear varying shades of grey, and air appears black. A CT scan can, therefore, detect changes in a variety of tissues, including your bones, spinal cord, blood vessels, cartilage, muscles, internal organs and other soft tissues (eg tendons and ligaments).
They can also detect internal bleeding, bone fractures, kidney problems, and are used during cancer treatment and assessment e.g. helping to diagnose a cancerous tumour.
Understanding private CT scan costs
There are several factors affecting CT scan prices, which can broadly be divided into equipment and expertise.
The average price of a CT scanner in the NHS is £840,000 and the machine typically lasts 4–7 years before it needs to be replaced. In addition to the initial cost of the machine, CT scanners must undergo regular maintenance by a specialist engineer. This helps ensure that the machine is safe to use and that the images created are accurate.
The cost of your private CT scan will also factor in the expertise needed to perform the scan and analyse the results. Your scan will usually be performed by a radiographer, a healthcare professional trained to use medical imaging equipment.
Your scan results will be analysed by a radiologist - a radiology department doctor specialising in interpreting medical imaging scans - to diagnose conditions and track their progress.
Private CT scans: compare prices across the UK
The average cost of a private CT scan in the UK is hundreds of pounds. At Vista Health, we offer fixed prices based on the number of body areas to be imaged:
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One body part - £445
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Two body parts - £640
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Three body parts - £835
Imaging of additional body parts is charged at £195 per additional body part.
If your doctor determines that you need to have a contrast agent (a special dye) to improve the clarity of your CT scan images, this will be an additional charge of £125. Contrast dyes are not suitable for everyone and in rare cases may cause an allergic reaction. They also often cause a fleeting metallic taste in your mouth.
Comparing private vs. NHS CT scans
There are three main differences between private and NHS CT scans.
Firstly, private CT scans must be paid for via insurance or self-paying patients, while NHS CT scans are free.
Secondly, the high demand for CT scans on the NHS means that you will be placed on a waiting list. Most hospitals aim to perform diagnostic CT scans within six weeks of receiving your referral letter; however, this target is not met in almost one in five cases.
Private CT scans can usually be booked within a week or two and there’s more flexibility to fit in with your schedule.
Thirdly, on the NHS, CT scan results usually take 1-2 weeks, but can take up to a month. The timeframe for results at Vista Health is considerably shorter. We aim to send you your CT scan results - with insights from one of our expert radiologists – within three working days.
These results can also be sent to your NHS GP. Alternatively, you can see one of our private GPs at a follow up appointment. They will explain what your CT scan results mean for you and help you make an informed decision on next steps.
Both NHS and private CT scans in the UK require a referral from a healthcare professional due to the use of low amounts of ionising radiation used during the scan.
At Vista Health, it is quick and easy to get a referral form filled in at a private GP appointment with one of the experienced GPs on our clinical team.
Booking your private CT scan
If you’re ready to get clarity on your health and investigate unexplained symptoms quickly, it’s time to book a private CT scan with Vista Health at any of our locations across the UK.
Sources
https://bluestar-ee.com/factors-impacting-the-lifespan-of-a-ct-scanner-tube/