Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC) Cost in San Antonio, TX
Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC) in San Antonio typically costs $93 to $376, with a median price of $165. That places San Antonio 6% below the national average for this procedure in 2026.
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How much does coronary calcium scan (cac) cost in San Antonio, TX in 2026? Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC) in San Antonio, TX costs between $93 and $376 in 2026, with most patients paying around $165 (per scan, one-time). This is 6% below the national average (national median: $175). Pricing varies based on hospital vs outpatient imaging center, bundled wellness packages, geographic market, plus provider experience and facility type.
What Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC) Is
CAC is a non-invasive CT scan that uses X-rays to detect and quantify calcified plaque in the three main coronary arteries (left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary artery). The result is reported as an Agatston score, ranging from 0 (no detectable calcium) to over 1,000 (very high calcium burden). Higher scores indicate more advanced atherosclerosis and substantially higher future cardiovascular event risk.
Who It Is For
CAC scans are most useful for adults at intermediate cardiovascular risk where the decision to start statin therapy is unclear. Best candidates: adults age 40-75 with intermediate risk on traditional calculators (Framingham, ASCVD), individuals with family history of early coronary disease, patients hesitant to start statins, and patients seeking comprehensive cardiovascular preventive screening. Less useful for low-risk young adults (often score 0 without changing management) and very high-risk patients (would be treated regardless of score).
What Is Typically Included in San Antonio Pricing
Most San Antonio-area quotes for Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC) include the items below. Always request a written inclusion list before booking.
- Pre-scan intake and consent
- Low-dose CT scan (10-15 minutes)
- Radiologist or cardiologist interpretation
- Agatston score report
- Risk percentile comparison to age/sex peers
- Some providers include consultation to discuss results
Often Not Included (Verify Before Booking)
- Follow-up cardiology consultation if positive findings
- Additional cardiac imaging (echocardiogram, CT angiography)
- Statin or other treatment costs
- Bloodwork (lipid panel, ApoB) if recommended
Procedure Snapshot
- Category
- Diagnostics
- Total timeline
- 1 day
- Typical recovery
- 0 days
- National range
- $99 - $400
- San Antonio range
- $93 - $376
- Cost unit
- per scan, one-time
- Financing common
- No
- Evidence level
- FDA-Approved
What Drives Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC) Cost in San Antonio
These factors most commonly move Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC) pricing up or down in the San Antonio market. Ask San Antonio clinics about each item when comparing quotes.
Hospital vs outpatient imaging center
Outpatient imaging chains often charge $99-$199 cash-pay. Hospital-based imaging can run $300-$600 cash-pay.
Bundled wellness packages
CAC scans are commonly bundled with executive physicals, full-body MRI, or longevity clinic memberships. Bundled pricing typically ranges $500-$2,500.
Geographic market
Major metros run 25-50 percent above mid-tier markets.
Insurance coverage when ordered by physician
Some Medicare Advantage plans and select commercial plans cover CAC when ordered by a physician with documented intermediate risk.
Insurance and Coverage for Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC) in San Antonio
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.
Typical coverage: Variable; $0-$200 out-of-pocket when covered
How the Procedure Works
Step-by-step overview of Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC).
- 1
Intake and consent
10-15 minutesReview medical history, current medications, pregnancy status. Sign consent for radiation exposure.
- 2
Positioning
5-10 minutesPatient lies on CT scan table. ECG leads placed to gate the scan to heartbeat. No contrast required.
- 3
Image acquisition
5-10 minutesBrief breath-hold during scan acquisition. Total scan time is 10-15 seconds of actual imaging within a 5-10 minute session.
- 4
Interpretation
1-7 days for reportRadiologist or cardiologist reviews images and calculates Agatston score.
- 5
Results delivery
Varies by clinicReport sent to patient and ordering provider. Some clinics include a phone or in-person review.
Recovery Timeline
What to expect day by day and month by month after Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC).
Aftercare and Long-Term Maintenance
Recommended care after coronary calcium scan (cac) to maintain results and prevent complications.
Risks and Complications
Documented risks and their typical frequency in published clinical data.
Radiation exposure
expectedApproximately 1-2 mSv per scan, similar to a mammogram or 6 months of natural background radiation. Considered very low risk; benefits typically far outweigh radiation exposure in appropriate candidates.
Incidental findings
commonRoughly 10-20 percent of scans detect non-cardiac incidental findings (lung nodules, thyroid nodules, breast or liver findings). Most are benign but can trigger follow-up workup.
False reassurance
consequential when presentA CAC score of 0 does NOT exclude all coronary disease. Some forms of atherosclerosis (soft plaque) are not detected. Symptomatic patients should still be evaluated.
False alarm
uncommonSome patients with high CAC scores remain asymptomatic and may never have events; high scores can cause anxiety and lead to aggressive treatment with unclear individual benefit.
Alternatives to Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC)
Other approaches to the same condition or goal, with cost and tradeoff comparisons.
Traditional cardiovascular risk calculation (ASCVD)
Uses age, sex, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking to estimate 10-year risk. Cheaper and faster but less specific than CAC.
CT coronary angiography
More detailed imaging using contrast that shows both calcified and soft plaque, plus arterial stenosis. More expensive and uses contrast.
Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) ultrasound
Ultrasound of neck arteries as a proxy for systemic atherosclerosis. Less validated than CAC.
Advanced lipid panel (ApoB, Lp(a))
Detailed lipid testing for refined risk assessment. Complements CAC rather than replacing it.
Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC) Cost Comparison Across Metros
See how Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC) pricing in San Antonio compares to nearby and major US markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most-searched questions about Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC) cost and treatment.
How much does a coronary calcium scan cost in 2026? +
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.
Does insurance cover a coronary calcium scan? +
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.
What does a coronary calcium score mean? +
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).
How long does a CAC scan take? +
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.
Is a coronary calcium scan worth it? +
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.
What is the radiation dose of a CAC scan? +
Approximately 1-2 mSv per scan. For comparison, a mammogram is approximately 0.4 mSv, a chest X-ray 0.1 mSv, and 6 months of natural background radiation is approximately 1.5 mSv. The radiation dose is considered very low.
Can I have a CAC scan if I have a pacemaker or stent? +
Pacemakers do not interfere with CAC scoring. Existing stents may complicate scoring near the stented area. Discuss with the imaging provider during scheduling.
Should I get a CAC scan every year? +
No. CAC progression over time is slow. Repeat scans are typically considered every 5-10 years, or earlier if a CAC of 0 in someone with strong risk factors warrants reassessment in 3-5 years. Annual repeat scanning is not recommended.
What should I do if my CAC score is high? +
Discuss results with your physician or a cardiologist. Treatment typically involves intensive lifestyle modification, high-intensity statin therapy, and consideration of additional medications (PCSK9 inhibitors, ezetimibe) based on full lipid profile and overall risk.
Can a CAC scan miss heart disease? +
Yes. CAC measures only calcified plaque. Soft (non-calcified) plaque, which is associated with acute heart attacks, is not detected. Symptomatic patients with chest pain, exertional shortness of breath, or other cardiac symptoms should be evaluated separately regardless of CAC score.
Clinical Outcome Data
Published outcome metrics for Coronary Calcium Scan (CAC) drawn from peer-reviewed clinical literature and registry data.
Sources
Clinical evidence cited on this page. ProcedureFinder sources primary clinical research, FDA records, and major professional society guidelines.
- Detrano R, et al. "Coronary Calcium as a Predictor of Coronary Events in Four Racial or Ethnic Groups." New England Journal of Medicine, 2008. (MESA trial - validation of CAC for risk prediction)
- Grundy SM, et al. "2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol." Circulation, 2018. (Clinical guidelines recommending CAC for intermediate risk)
- SCOT-HEART Investigators. "Coronary CT Angiography and 5-Year Risk of Myocardial Infarction." New England Journal of Medicine, 2018. (Clinical outcomes data)
- Greenland P, et al. "ACCF/AHA 2007 Clinical Expert Consensus Document on Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring." Circulation, 2007. (Foundational ACCF/AHA position)
How We Calculate San Antonio Pricing
The price ranges shown reflect cash-pay (out-of-pocket) pricing observed across San Antonio-area providers, adjusted for the local cost index of 0.94x the national average. National benchmark data is blended from provider price surveys, published procedure pricing, and patient-reported costs. Pricing reflects 2026 data and is updated quarterly.
Read our full methodology →Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is educational. It is not medical advice and does not substitute for evaluation by a licensed provider. Cost ranges are estimates; individual quotes vary. Always consult a qualified clinician before making medical decisions.
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