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.
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.
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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 !!
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?
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")
Posted by: Just Another Rip Off Scam in Long Island, NM.
Posted: March 8th, 2017 09:03AM
Number of Views: 1
Medical 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!
Posted by: Unfair racket by medical community in DARIEN, IL.
Posted: February 10th, 2017 10:02AM
Number of Views: 2
Medical 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!!!!
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.
Ridiculous cost. I had a referral for an ambulatory visit to an x-ray clinic. They told me it typically costs around 110 dollars. Then sent a claim to my insurance for over 1100 dollars. I saw a bill that I paid to them for like 48 bucks and paid that assuming it had all been sorted out after insurance stuff, but nope there is a separate claim for over 1100 still. Not sure where the 48 dollar one even came from.. The whole thing took 10 minutes. There was nothing wrong either. My doctor just wanted to "rule it out." Never ever again.
I went to an emergency room with excruciating pain for kidney stones. After 4 mg of morphine and 2 x-rays Blue Cross got billed $10,325. The x rays were $5624.49. BSBC actually went ahead and paid $7 k for this egregious overbilling
Patient had a severe laceration on upper arm. They did 3 xrays and the patient was charged $1861.96, $1638.74 and $1645.99. Although covered by excellent insurance and was not required to pay for any of it, how do these amounts add up when reading the fair billing amounts.
was charged $1800 for upper and lower portions of my leg. nothing broken. hospital also lied to me and told me if i paid $1000 that would cover the whole visit. Then came back with $4000 in extra charges. will be suing.
OUTRAGEOUS! This was at an outpatient clinic and it was for an 8 year old child! I have disputed the charge and plan to file a claim with the State Insurance Commissioner.
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