Average Cost of HIDA Scan 2011

The average cost of HIDA scan is $2,000 in 2011. Hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scans are generally not done first due to their increased cost. However it is cheaper than surgery and also enjoys insurance coverage. HIDA scan is generally recommended by doctors to ascertain if the gallbladder has any defects such as presence of stones or inflammation. It is a nuclear imaging procedure involving injecting a radioactive tracer through a vein. It is then allowed to circulate to the liver and stored by the gallbladder. If the gallbladder is noticed within 1 hour, it means the organ is free from any disease. If it is not visualized even after 4 hours, it points to a possible cystic duct obstruction.