Medical imaging

As a Sidecar Health member, you can shop for your care; Imaging is no different and prices vary widely. Shopping for X-Rays, Ultrasounds, CT scans, Mammograms, and MRIs presents a unique opportunity to keep the savings.

Sidecar Health works differently versus traditional insurance, especially when it comes to receiving services your provider is used to calling in for you, like X-rays, Ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs.  While providers may default to doing imaging in-house or sending them to their preferred facility, you are often able to choose where you go. Choosing an outside facility is often the most cost-effective option. 

A quick cheat sheet:

• Imaging services can be performed at a radiology clinic / freestanding imaging center, urgent care center, or in a hospital setting (including an ER). The location where you receive imaging services will greatly impact the amount you will be charged. Hospitals normally charge more than radiology clinics / freestanding imaging centers.
• Submitting a pre-bill to Sidecar Health is the best way to get an accurate estimate of your Benefit Amounts – ask your provider for a detailed itemized estimate.
• Sidecar Health members have had great experiences shopping for affordable colonoscopies with RadiologyAssist*.

What is medical imaging?

Imaging uses a range of different technologies to provide images of the inside of your body to diagnose or monitor health issues. Different types of imaging services are used for different reasons. The most common types include:

• X-rays are the most common type of imaging performed. X-rays are used to look for things like broken bones or used to diagnose conditions such as pneumonia.
• CT scans are a specialized type of X-ray. They create detailed images of bones, organs, soft tissues, and blood vessels. They are used to look for blood clots, injuries to organs or bones, or to look for internal bleeding.
• Ultrasounds (sonograms) use sound waves to produce images of structures within the body. They can be used to view various organs in the body such as the heart, liver, and gallbladder. Ultrasounds help detect unexplained pain, or to monitor a baby’s development during pregnancy.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans do not use X-rays, but instead, use a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to make images of the structures within your body. MRI scans may be done in addition to an X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan, as they capture more detailed images. MRI scans can also be used to evaluate the body for a range of conditions, including tumors and diseases of the liver, heart, and bowel.
• Nuclear medicine scans are tests that produce pictures of structures within the body using small amounts of radiation. These scans are used to provide images of organs, tissues, and bones; areas of the body that cannot be seen well with X-rays. These scans provide valuable information when diagnosing many diseases, including cancer.

What are my imaging benefits under my Sidecar Health plan?

Your plan’s Benefit Amounts are visible in the Sidecar Health member portal through Estimate Care. Your Member Care team is available to help you navigate your benefits for each option. For more detailed information and to understand your benefits, please submit a pre-bill to Sidecar Health.

Note, the below medical codes (sometimes referred to as CPT, DRG, or procedure codes) are often billed for imaging, but the services and procedures included vary from doctor to doctor. Ask your doctor what services will be included for the most information on how much your plan will pay.

Medical code	Description
71045	X-ray examination of chest, 1 view
74018	X-ray examination of abdomen, 1 view
77067	Screen mammography, bilateral, w/ computer-aided detection
71046	X-ray exam of chest, 2 views
77063	Breast tomosynthesis, bilateral view
70450	CT of head, brain w/o dye
74177	CT of abdomen & pelvis w/ contrast
73630	X-ray exam of foot
73030	X-ray exam of shoulder
76830	Transvaginal ultrasound, non-obstetric
74176	CT of abdomen & pelvis w/o contrast

*Sidecar Health provides external links for convenience and informational purposes only.  Sidecar Health bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external sites or for subsequent links from an external site. Contact the external site for answers to any questions regarding its content.