Understanding Your Imaging Bill

Medical bills can feel confusing, especially when more than one provider is involved. This guide explains what shows up on your Precise Imaging statement, how insurance handles outpatient imaging, and what to do if you need help paying.

Why you may receive more than one bill

A single imaging study can involve two separate organizations:

1. The imaging facility — the equipment, technologists, and supplies. That's the bill from Precise Imaging.
2. The reading radiologist — the physician who interprets your study and writes the report. They bill separately for the professional read.

Both bills are normal and expected. They're broken out this way because insurance plans cover each component under different benefit categories.

How insurance handles imaging

Most diagnostic imaging is covered as an outpatient benefit, subject to your deductible, copay, or coinsurance. Before scheduling, our team verifies your eligibility, obtains any required prior authorization, and gives you a good-faith estimate of your out-of-pocket cost. If your plan requires a referral or pre-authorization that isn't in place, we'll work with your provider's office to secure it before the scan.

Self-pay and cash-pay options

If you don't have insurance, your deductible hasn't been met, or you'd simply prefer to pay directly, we offer transparent cash rates that are often significantly lower than billed-to-insurance pricing. Cash rates are quoted up front and apply to the technical (facility) portion of the study. Ask any of our schedulers for a written estimate.

Workers' Compensation and PI lien cases

If your imaging is being scheduled under a Workers' Compensation claim or as part of a personal injury case on a signed medical lien, there are no up-front costs to you. (A Letter of Protection from your attorney is welcome as supporting documentation but does not replace the signed lien.) We bill the claims administrator, employer, or attorney directly. Bring the claim number or letter from your law firm to your appointment.

Payment plans and financial assistance

We never want cost to stop you from getting the imaging you need. Patients with documented financial hardship can apply for our financial assistance program. We also offer interest-free payment plans for balances over $250. Call our patient financial services team to ask about either option — they can usually set up a plan in a single phone call.

Five things you can do to avoid surprises

1. Ask for a good-faith estimate before your appointment.
2. Confirm your insurance is active and that Precise is in network.
3. Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and prescription to check-in.
4. Tell us if anything changes — a new plan, a new employer, or a new claim adjuster.
5. Open your bill the day it arrives so you have time to call with questions before any due date.

For any billing question, call 800-558-2223 and ask for patient financial services, or message us through the Patient Portal.