Search thousands of topics on CostHelper.com
BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> appliances babies & children  cars  consumer electronics health & personal care home & garden personal finance  pets  schools small business weddings
CostHelper > Health & Personal Care  > Tests, X-Rays & Imaging > X-Ray

X-Ray Cost

How Much Does an X-Ray Cost?
 
average costWith Health Insurance: $10-$50 Copay or 10%-50% Coinsurancehigh costWithout Health Insurance: $100-$1,000+
post E-mail post Post   Comments (21)

X-rays are used for diagnosis and treatment in a variety of situations -- from dental surgery to broken bones. Risks include exposure to radiation and possible harm to the fetus in a pregnant patient.

Typical costs:

  • X-rays typically are 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%-50%.
  • For patients without health insurance, X-rays typically cost about $100-$1,000 or more. On average, X-rays cost $260-$460, varying by provider and geographic location, according to NewChoiceHealth.com[1] . Actual X-ray cost depends on the provider, the part of the body being X-rayed, and the number of views taken. According to NewChoiceHealth.com, the average cost for a finger X-ray is $100, for a hand $180, for a wrist $190, for a knee $200, for a thigh $280, for a pelvis $350, for a chest $370, and for a full body $1,100. The average cost for more specialized X-rays, such as those of various arteries, veins or ducts in the body, can reach $20,000 to $30,000 or more. Berger Health System in Ohio offers a price list[2] for X-rays that ranges from $203 for a one-view chest X-ray to $536 for a series of abdominal X-rays. Baptist Memorial Health Care in Memphis offers a price tool that estimates the cost of a hand X-ray at $95, a two-view wrist X-ray at $142, a collar bone X-ray at $147, a three-view knee X-ray at $179, a lower spine X-ray at $349, and a hip X-ray at $463; and an artery X-ray at $26,161 per vessel.
Related articles: Chest X-Ray, Bone X-Ray, Dental X-Rays, Health Insurance

What should be included:
  • The technologist will activate the machine, which emits X-rays that pass through the area of the body being X-rayed and create an image on an image recording plate or film. In some cases, the technologist will reposition the patient and take more X-rays from another view.
  • Later, a radiologist[3] , 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.
Additional costs:
  • Depending on the results of the X-ray, the doctor might order additional tests, which could include an MRI, or a CT scan, which could cost $1,000 -$3,000 or more, or other tests.
Discounts:
  • Some clinics offer X-ray services. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a locator[4] 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.
Shopping for an x-ray:
  • 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[5] .
  • 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[6] .
  • RadiologyInfo.org offers a primer[7] on safety, radiation exposure and X-rays.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
 
post E-mail post Post   Comments (21)
CostHelper News


Top 7 Ways to Trim Pet Expenses
Pets, for many, are part of the family; another member that needs love, feeding and treatment, just like anyone else in the household. || Posted September 18 2013

Forgotten Expenses In a Home Addition Budget
Items like construction costs, permit fees or debris removal aren't the only expenses to consider when calculating the total costs of a home remodeling project. || Posted August 5 2013

‣ All CostHelper Blog Posts


What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
X-ray wrist
Amount: $300.00
Posted by: Very pleased in Paramus, NJ.Posted: August 10th, 2017 08:08PM
Physician: Paramus pediatric urgent care
Wonderful facility. Less than 1 hour. Wrist broken in 2 spots. (7 year old patient)
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Finger xray
Amount: $333.22
Posted by: TJL in Twinsburg, OH.Posted: July 3rd, 2017 08:07AM
Physician: Uh hospitals, cleveland
Had an xray in urgent care for one finger and was billed $402 for the xray, $179 for physician and $32 for radiologist -- after insurance discount i had to pay $333.22 (HSA) total rip off !!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
spine X ray, 2 views-$ 3100!
Amount: $1,233.00
Posted by: Lynn Thompson in Margate, FL.Posted: June 23rd, 2017 05:06AM
Physician: Dr Ozactay
Fractured Vetebrae in car accident in Dec 2015. Had surgery at NOrth West Regional Hospital and went on to do Physical Therapy in Outpatient at MD office. On my way to PT appointment I slipped and fell, so therapist wanted X ray before he would see me. I went back to NRH and had XRay, 2 views of spine, was billed $3,100! That's with insurance! I had a lawyer who negotiated a settlement in April, the hospital was paid. They say I still owe $811.00, and have sent this to collections, so it is damaging my credit. I called the billing dept multiple times, and spoke to Medicredit as well. What can I do?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
X-Ray Craziness
Amount: $731.25
Posted by: Annoyed Mama in Castle Rock, CO.Posted: June 21st, 2017 02:06PM
Number of Views: 1Medical Center: Sky Ridge Medical Center
My son (3 yrs) complained that his wrist hurt after a fall and wouldn't put weight on it.Took him to the pediatrician who sent him in for X-Rays. Nothing broken.
Pediatrician Visit: $89
X-Rays: $731.25 (after insurance "discount")
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
hip / lower back
Amount: $12,000.00
Posted by: Mike F in Hamilton, NJ.Posted: May 8th, 2017 10:05AM
Number of Views: 5Medical Center: Capital Health - Hamilton
5 xrays - maybe 15 minutes
$12000
My recommendation is go somewhere else.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
X-rays Supposedly purged from system!
Amount: $1,300.00
Posted by: Just Another Rip Off Scam in Long Island, NM.Posted: March 8th, 2017 09:03AM
Number of Views: 1Medical Center: North Shore Manhasset
Auto accident in 2000- Fractured ankle and femur. Refractured same ankle last week. Orthopedic doctor able to pull up e-rays from year 2000 in his office. He was NOT the attending physician in 2000. I need copy of x-ray, North Shore refuses to produce it! Says it was "purged from system". If it was, how was doctor able to access it? No answer to that question from North Shore. Now I have to pay $1300-1700 out of pocket to get my own x-ray, Insurance will not cover a new x-ray of an old injury. North Shore "purged it", I have to pay a fortune to get a new one. Nice Racket!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
finger e-ray
Amount: $417.00
Posted by: Unfair racket by medical community in DARIEN, IL.Posted: February 10th, 2017 10:02AM
Number of Views: 2Medical Center: Westmont Imaging
Physician: Joe Reda
1 finger for $417? Why? National average is $100. My co-pay is $157.14. Sounds like that is the actual cost and the remaining "gravy" is bilked from the insurance company. What a racket!!!!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Wrist
Amount: $956.00
Posted by: Morgan techlow in Oshkosh, WI.Posted: January 24th, 2017 01:01PM
Physician: Affinity
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Ankle diagnostic x ray on 6 y.o.
Amount: $1,450.00
Posted by: Paokara777 in Cape Girardeau, MO.Posted: January 23rd, 2017 11:01PM
Physician: St Francis Cape Girardeau mo
They billed us 1450. My ins company negotiated down to 1100. I have a 50% co pay. 550 out of pocket for an ankle x ray. Lol?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Tooth xray
Amount: $919.00
Posted by: [email protected] in Hackensack, NJ.Posted: January 1st, 2017 10:01AM
Physician: Hackensack medical center
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Shore Imaging
Amount: $300.00
Posted by: Go Elsewher in Howel, NJ.Posted: November 23rd, 2016 03:11PM
Number of Views: 4Medical Center: Shore Imaging
HAd to wait over 3 weeks to get results.
Employees are upset with wages and poor working conditions. Go ELSEHWERE
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Hand 3 views
Amount: $516.12
Posted by: Donna Kertis in Patchogue, NY.Posted: November 7th, 2016 08:11AM
Number of Views: 3Medical Center: Brookhaven Memorial Hospital
Physician: Dr. Angelillo
Took son to orthopedist for problems with hand after breaking his arm 4 years ago. Was told to go down the hall for x-rays but later was billed by the hospital he is affiliated with. Was charge 505.60 for xrays and 10.52 for another company to read them. Could have went to a facility across the street and paid $125 but was not given that option. This is WITH insurance.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Back x-ray
Amount: $581.00
Posted by: Fed up with over-priced medical care in Athens, OH.Posted: November 2nd, 2016 12:11PM
Number of Views: Medical Center: Holzer
$475 X-ray (Ins. adjustment reduced it to $285)
$106 Doctor charge for reading the x-ray (Ins. adj. reduced it to 97.73)
I got two different bills.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
xray of toe
Amount: $1,000.00
Posted by: chrisNR in Moorestown, NJ.Posted: August 14th, 2015 10:08PM
Number of Views: Medical Center: Virtua Moorestown
I went into to Virtua Moorestown to get an x-ray of my toe, becasue I think I broke it. I was told the x-rays would cost at least $1,000, maybe more. Being uninsured, I opted not to get the x-ray. I have been trying not to put weight on it, so it will heel on its own. My employer is currently started to offering insurance-- the plan covers $25.00 for x-rays.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Hip x tay
Amount: $1,056.00
Posted by: a user in Granbury, TX.Posted: July 6th, 2015 12:07PM
Physician: Granbury Texas medical center
Way over charge. Should be $280-$350
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
outraged--hip and pelvis x-ray
Amount: $3,025.00
Posted by: MCB in Brandon, FL.Posted: July 6th, 2015 11:07AM
Number of Views: 3Medical Center: Brandon Regional
As an x-ray tech myself, I am outraged at the audacity of this facility to charge this amount for 3 x-rays
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Shoulder X-rays
Amount: $1,124.00
Posted by: Disgruntled in Bluffton, SC.Posted: April 17th, 2015 12:04PM
Number of Views: 2Medical Center: St. Joseph's/Candler
Had two shoulder x-rays and I was billed $1,124. When I phoned I was told that this is their billed amount. This was not an MRI! I had the same images taken in a different state and they were approximately 1/4 of this cost! This is outrageous!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
x-ray of foot
Amount: $554.00
Posted by: CLBerry in Holmdel, NJ.Posted: October 24th, 2014 06:10PM
Number of Views: 3Medical Center: Bayshore Community Hospital
Physician: Thomas Feola
Stubbed and fractured my toe. Had x-ray 3 weeks later. $554 for 3 views of foot? Why?
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
expensive ankle
Amount: $617.00
Posted by: Act like the customer in FIRESTONE, CO.Posted: October 16th, 2014 09:10AM
Number of Views: 3Medical Center: First Choice Emergency Room
This facility just opened very close to us and my son landed awkwardly on his ankle. We weren't sure if it was broken or not and I had to leave town for work the next day so we stopped in. The care was good but prices after we got the bill were outrageous. 3x normal costs for crutches & air cast and much higher facility and x-ray costs than we have ever paid at a hospital ER. If we had known this up front we would have waited to go to urgent care the next day or gone to a hospital ER.
We have a high deductible HSA plan so this ended up being all out of pocket for us. Total costs for the sprained ankle visit (~15 min with a doctor and not even ibuprofen given) ended up being over $2000. The lesson here is to ask up front what the costs are and don't blindly take everything they give you. We also paid $150 for a $25 set of crutches and over $200 for a $75 air cast.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
X-RAY HIP UNI 2+ VW
Amount: $493.00
Posted by: Living is costing me to Death in Kansas City, MO.Posted: September 12th, 2014 01:09PM
Number of Views: 1Medical Center: Arrowhead Sports Complex
Physician: Dr. David Smith
New patient office visit $93
Took 2 xrays of my hip $493
Insurance company noted Charge Exceeds Defined Pay amount on the Xray. Ins Co. noted Charge Exceeds the contractual allowance per the contract. Ins. Co. also noted Charge exceeds the discounted percentage of the allowed amount.
Needless to say I won't be returning to this office or this doctor.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
CT abdomen with contrast
Amount: $5,200.00
Posted by: Budde in Booneville, MS.Posted: February 16th, 2013 04:02AM
Number of Views: Medical Center: Baptist
Experience was good until the bills came in that were over double the average charges in the area
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam


 
Comment On Your Experience With an X-Ray
 
Subject:  *
Amount Spent:  *
Number of Views: Medical Center: 
Physician:   
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.
 


External Resources:
  1.  www.newchoicehealth.com/X-Ray-Cost
  2.  www.bergerhealth.com/resources-a-links/patient-price-list
  3.  www.radiologyinfo.org/en/careers/index.cfm?pg=diagcareer
  4.  findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx
  5.  www.acr.org/Quality-Safety/Accreditation/Accredited-Facility-Search
  6.  www.radiologyinfo.org/en/safety/index.cfm?pg=sfty_xray#part6
  7.  www.radiologyinfo.org/en/safety/index.cfm?pg=sfty_xray
More Health & Personal Care Topics
Check Out All Costs for Health & Personal Care How Much Does Growing Medical Marijuana Outdoors Cost? How Much Do Crutches Cost? How Much Do Eyeglasses Cost?

Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com

 
Today's Featured Cost Articles
The hot summer weather has started. We cover the cost of central air conditioning.
Is this the summer to finally take those swimming lessons?
June is Camping Month and the Great Outdoors Month.
A BBQ grill could be handy with Memorial Day coming up.
Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

About CostHelper
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community
General Cleaning except windows and VCT
Paid: 0.00
Going rates can vary. However, your best advice is to stay below prices like Service Master or some big franchise charges. In general their help isn't that bright or speaks no English... [more]
-Gary Honey
Office Cleaning Cost
Dental Implants
Paid: 72000.00
Why do full dental implants cost more than purchasing a condominium?... [more]
-Jack Sprat
Dental Implants Cost
Clogged toilet to main line clean out
Paid: 465.00
Came out and pulled toilet ( took a whole 5 minutes)and ran his drain cleaning machine 75ft. to clear out clog which took about 15 minutes or so. Put on new wax ring and toilet back in place... [more]
-
Unclogging a Toilet Cost
Houston Flood
Paid: 450.00
never flooded, not in flood plain but just had 34 inches of rain in 5 days, huge flood 5 minutes away, hoping costs don't increase and that new maps won't include us in flood plain$250,000 building, $100,000 contents, $1250 deductible... [more]
-Thankfully Dry
Flood Insurance Cost
Ear Wax Removal
Paid: 1100.00
Yes, just got the bill! I paid my copay at my visit... [more]
-Michelle S.
Ear Wax Removal Cost
Scamming in Detroit
Paid: 410.00
My husband and I went to a sporting event on the Wayne State Campus. We parked in what was apparently a non-campus location. There were no signs stating that we couldn't park there, so we took advantage of the spot. Bad on us... [more]
-Kris Starosta
Recovering a Towed Vehicle Cost