Specific Situations
Disputing a Radiology Bill - What To Do
Radiology bills involve technical and professional fees and can be difficult to verify. Learn how to dispute errors and reduce your bill.
Updated August 17, 2026 · 6 min read
Quick answer
To dispute a radiology bill, request an itemized bill separating technical and professional fees, verify the CPT code matches your scan, check for duplicate charges, and negotiate with the imaging provider.
How Radiology Is Billed
Radiology bills typically have two components: the technical fee (machine, facility, technician) and the professional fee (radiologist's interpretation). These are often billed by different entities.
Common Radiology Billing Errors
Radiology bills are prone to specific errors.
- Wrong CPT code - billing for a more complex scan than performed.
- Duplicate charges - the same scan billed twice.
- Missing modifiers - incorrect use of modifiers that affect pricing.
- Professional and technical fees both billed by the hospital (which should only bill the technical fee).
How To Dispute
Request an itemized bill with CPT codes, compare to your EOB, check for errors, and dispute in writing. If the technical and professional fees are both billed by the hospital, verify that the professional fee should have been billed by the radiologist separately.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I have two radiology bills?
The technical fee (facility) and professional fee (radiologist) are billed separately. You may receive one bill from the imaging center and one from the radiologist.
Can I negotiate a radiology bill?
Yes. Contact the billing department and negotiate. MRI and CT scans are particularly negotiable because pricing varies widely between facilities.
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