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First-Pass Nuclear Scan Of Heart Pumping Function

Washington, DC rates for HCPCS 78481

A radioactive tracer is injected into a vein and a camera records its very first sweep through the chambers of the heart. From that recording the scan measures how much of the blood in a chamber is pushed out with each beat, which is a direct measure of pumping strength. A single study is performed, either with the patient at rest or with the heart under stress.

Rates data updated October 2026.

How much does First-Pass Nuclear Scan Of Heart Pumping Function cost?

$191

Typical negotiated rate. In Washington, DC, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $191 for this service. Most negotiated rates run $162 to $427.

These are rates insurers have negotiated with providers, not the amount a patient is billed. What you owe depends on your plan's deductible and coinsurance. Based on rates published by 5 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $1,380 · 10th to 90th $158 to $1,549Professionalmedian $182 · 10th to 90th $120 to $603
$200$500$1Kfacility $1,380professional $182

Distribution of negotiated rates across all payers (price axis is log-scale). Small sample; interpret with caution. Need provider-level prices or 24+ months of history? Contact us.

Rates by insurance carrier

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$158.49
Median
$158.49
Typical High
$158.49
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$158.49
Median
$158.49
Typical High
$158.49
CareFirst
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$120.23
Median
$181.97
Typical High
$309.03
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$562.34
Median
$1,380.38
Typical High
$1,548.82
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$144.54
Median
$478.63
Typical High
$758.58
Kaiser Permanente
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$177.83
Median
$204.17
Typical High
$389.05
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$173.78
Median
$436.52
Typical High
$602.56

Where Washington, DC sits

The same service costs 4.8 times more in Alaska than in Texas. Every bar is a state, most expensive first. Touch or drag across it to read any state, then open that state for its carriers and full range.

Washington, DC· 45th of 51

$191

AK $676TX $141

Median negotiated rate in each state, from every insurer that publishes one. States where no insurer publishes a rate for this service are not shown.