Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC) Cost in California

Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC) in California costs $122 to $491 in 2026, with a state-wide median of $215. Pricing varies by metro - typically $224 in Los Angeles and $254 in Beverly Hills. California pricing is 23% above the national average.

Bakersfield typically has the lowest coronary calcium scan (cac) pricing in California, with a median of $179 (1.02x national average). Mid-size markets generally run lower than major coastal or wealthy suburban areas.

Beverly Hills typically has the highest coronary calcium scan (cac) pricing in California, with a median of $254 (1.45x national average). Larger metro areas with higher cost of living and more specialty providers tend to command premium pricing.

CAC is increasingly covered by commercial insurance for intermediate-risk patients, particularly when ordered by a physician. Original Medicare typically does not cover routine screening. The low cash-pay price makes insurance navigation often not worthwhile.

California pricing is 23% above the national average. The state cost index is 1.23x the national average. Higher-cost states include California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington DC; lower-cost states include Oklahoma, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Indiana.

A cash-pay coronary calcium scan costs $99 to $400 per scan in the United States in 2026, with most outpatient imaging centers priced at $125-$200. Bundled wellness packages including CAC plus other diagnostics run $500-$2,500.

Some Medicare Advantage plans and select commercial plans cover CAC scans when ordered by a physician with documented intermediate cardiovascular risk. Original Medicare does not cover CAC as routine screening. Most patients pay cash-pay due to broad availability at $100-$200 and the simplicity of bypassing insurance authorization.

The Agatston score quantifies calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. 0 = no detectable calcium (very low cardiovascular risk). 1-99 = mild calcium burden (increased risk). 100-399 = moderate burden (significantly increased risk). 400+ = high burden (substantially increased risk and typically prompts aggressive treatment).

The actual scan takes 10-15 seconds of imaging time. The full appointment, including intake, positioning, and brief monitoring, takes approximately 15-30 minutes. Results are typically delivered within 1-7 days.

For adults age 40-75 at intermediate cardiovascular risk, CAC scans are well-supported by evidence and clinical guidelines to refine statin treatment decisions. For very low-risk young adults or known high-risk patients already on aggressive treatment, the test provides less value. Discuss with your physician whether your risk profile makes CAC appropriate.