Chest X-Ray Cost

• A chest X-ray typically is covered by health insurance. For patients covered by health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of nothing, if the plan covers X-rays in full, or a copay of $10 -$50 or coinsurance of about 10% to 50%.
• For patients not covered by health insurance, a chest X-ray typically costs about $200 -$400 or more, with an average of $370, according to NewChoiceHealth.com. Cost depends on the provider and the number of views taken. For example, at Marietta Memorial Hospital in Ohio, a chest X-ray with two views costs about $200. At Berger Health System in Ohio, a one-view chest X-ray costs $203 and a two-view, $250. At Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Nebraska, a chest X-ray costs $207 for a single, frontal view; $295 for two views, frontal and lateral; and $331 for special views such as lateral decubitus. And at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire, a chest X-ray with two views costs about $290 after the uninsured discount.

• The technologist typically asks the patient to stand directly in front of an image recording plate, then activates the machine, which emits X-rays that pass through the body and create an image on an image plate. In some cases, the technologist will reposition the patient and take more X-rays from another view.
• Later, a radiologist, a physician who specializes in imaging, will interpret the images and send a report to and/or confer with the physician who ordered the X-ray.
• RadiologyInfo.org has an overview of chest X-rays.

• Depending on the results of the X-ray, the doctor might order additional X-rays or tests.

• Some clinics offer X-ray services. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a locator for clinics that provide discounted care on a sliding scale based on income.
• Many imaging centers and hospitals offer a discount of up to 30%or more for cash-paying patients. For example, Park Nicollet Health Services in Minnesota offers a discount of about 40%on medically necessary services, including X-rays, to self-pay patients with a gross family income of less than $125,000.

• A family doctor or specialist can make a referral to a hospital or imaging center. Or, the American College of Radiology offers a list of accredited imaging facilities.
• The hospital or imaging center typically will have a radiologist to interpret X-rays. The radiologist should be board-certified by the American Board of Radiology.
• Any woman who is or could be pregnant should discuss risks with her doctor when considering an X-ray. RadiologyInfo.org has information about X-rays and pregnancy.
• RadiologyInfo.org offers a primer on safety, radiation exposure and X-rays.

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