An X-ray is a standard medical test. X-rays help doctors look inside your body. They are often used to check for broken bones, chest problems, and other health issues. X-rays are fast, useful, and used in both emergencies and routine exams.
Now, you may be asking yourself, How much is an X-ray? The cost depends on how much you pay, where you go, and what exactly the doctor needs to evaluate.
Generally, X-ray costs range from $100 to $1,000. The cost of a basic chest X-ray will be at the bottom range, while the more comprehensive pictures will be at the higher end. Most people ask How much does an X-ray cost? especially if they do not have insurance.
Now, let’s say you find yourself in a typical situation. What if you needed an X-ray and had no insurance? Most people go to the urgent care centers as they are quick and easy to find.
However, remain mindful of what the cost of the urgent care X-ray without insurance is. In the following sections, we will examine the costs associated with X-ray services at urgent care, comparing the impact of having insurance versus no insurance.
Factors That Determine X-Ray Cost
Prices for X-rays rarely remain constant everywhere, and many factors may change your payment amount.
1. Location
The location of the X-ray service often matters. For example, a hospital could charge more than a private clinic. Urgent care centers may cost less than hospitals, but prices can still vary between locations. Many people also ask, Does urgent care do X rays — and the answer is yes, most urgent care centers offer basic X-ray services.
2. Type of X-Ray
Not only do prices differ depending on location, but types of X-rays also have different associated prices. For instance, the cost of a standard chest X-ray differs from a special bone X-ray or any full-body scan. A small hand or foot X-ray could be even less.
3. Radiologist review Fees
Often, you may need the radiologist (a doctor who specializes in reading X-rays) to review your X-ray results. This will likely come with additional fees that you would not have to pay for if you were not seeing a radiologist. This fee could quickly add up and could increase your total X-ray cost even if the actual X-ray test was very simple.
4. Different Prices Everywhere
There is no standardized price for an X-ray; that’s why many people are searching for how much an X-ray costs or charges for an X-ray. It’s a good idea to call different clinics ahead of time to ask about their prices before you go.
Average X-Ray Prices Without Insurance
If you are uninsured, you may be asking what the price of an X-ray is. The fact is, the X-ray cost without insurance could be expensive, depending on where you go and what type of X-ray is ordered.
Generally speaking, the charges for X-rays are in the range of $100 to $1,000. For a small X-ray (e.g., a finger or toe), prices could range from $100 to $250. A dental X-ray usually falls in a similar range. However, more complicated tests (e.g., spinal X-rays or full-body X-rays) may cost $500 or more.
A chest X-ray without insurance typically costs between $250 and $500, depending on whether it is performed at a private facility or a hospital. Some places may charge extra if they also need to pay a radiologist for reading the results.
This is why it always makes sense to compare prices. If you know the average X-ray cost, then you can better plan and ultimately avoid a surprise bill.
How Much Does an X-Ray Cost With Insurance?
With health insurance, you usually pay a lower amount for an X-ray. Insurance can pay for much of the cost, and you will likely have to pay some amount.
If you’re covered by insurance, you might be wondering what the typical cost of an X-ray looks like. It depends on your plan. You may have a co-payment of a small amount, like $20 to $50. There is also the chance that many people have to meet some kind of deductible before insurance pays. That just means if you have not reached the deductible amount on other medical care, you could still pay more for the X-ray.
Another factor is where you go to get the X-ray. The cost at an in-network facility is often lower than at an out-of-network one. Out-of-network centers may charge more, and your plan might not cover the full cost, leaving you to wonder, How much does an X-ray cost with insurance?
Ways to Save on X-rays
Getting an X-ray doesn’t always have to be expensive. Here are some smart ways to save money:
1. Comparison Shop
Different locations have different prices. Call around to every local clinic or urgent care, and ask about the X-ray cost and charges for X-ray services. You may find the same X-ray at a lower price.
2. Ask for a Cash Price
If you’re uninsured, some clinics will give you a discount if you pay cash. If the price of the charges for X-ray was $100, they may give you a discount and only charge you $90, or even lower.
3. Get an X-ray at an Imaging Center
Hospitals often charge more for X-rays compared to an outpatient imaging center. Imaging centers often charge less, with fewer X-ray fees, and help you see how much an X-ray costs with insurance.
4. Find an in-network insurance provider
If you are insured, always go to in-network providers. Not only can these types of providers reduce your out-of-pocket cost, but always ask how much is an X-ray costs with insurance, because you may have a high out-of-pocket for your X-ray.
5. Utilize an HSA or FSA
You can use money from your HSA or FSA to cover X-ray costs, helping you pay with pre-tax funds and reducing your out-of-pocket expenses. This will help you pay for the charges for X-ray without using your taxable income.
Taking a few smart steps ahead of time can make a big difference. Asking the right questions and comparing costs can help avoid large X-ray costs while getting the care you need.
Conclusion
X-rays can be helpful, but at a significant cost. Many people ask themselves the question How much do X-rays cost with insurance. As you can see, it depends not only on insurance but also on location. Prices without insurance will, in many cases, be higher. It is important to compare charges for X-ray, ask about cash price discounts, and in-network providers to get the best price. A few minutes of planning can help save you a lot of money.
