Table 4. Indications and costs of imaging studies.
Imaging technique | Indication | Estimated cost† |
---|---|---|
CT | For detection, staging, surgical planning | $346 |
EUS | For detection, diagnostic biopsy | $1,427 |
MRI | For detection, staging, surgical planning, evaluation of ductal anatomy (used especially in patients allergic to iodinated contrast, renal failure) | $569 |
PET-CT | For staging, especially in high risk patients for metastatic disease | $1,411 |
†, costs from outpatient radiology and procedural Medicare average payments from http://www.cms.gov/.