An X-ray is one of the most common medical tests—and one where prices vary the most by location. A simple chest X-ray costs $100–$300 at an imaging center but $300–$750 at a hospital. Same technology, same image, vastly different bills. Here’s what every type of X-ray costs and where to get the best price.
1. X-ray cost by body part
| Body Part | CPT Code | Imaging Center | Hospital | Medicare Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chest (2-view) | 71046 | $100–$250 | $300–$750 | ~$25–$45 |
| Hand/finger (2-view) | 73120 | $80–$200 | $250–$500 | ~$20–$35 |
| Foot (2-view) | 73620 | $80–$200 | $250–$500 | ~$20–$35 |
| Ankle (3-view) | 73610 | $100–$250 | $300–$600 | ~$25–$40 |
| Knee (2-view) | 73560 | $100–$250 | $300–$600 | ~$25–$40 |
| Shoulder (2-view) | 73030 | $100–$250 | $300–$650 | ~$25–$40 |
| Hip (2-view) | 73502 | $120–$300 | $350–$700 | ~$30–$50 |
| Lumbar spine (2-view) | 72100 | $150–$350 | $400–$800 | ~$35–$55 |
| Cervical spine (3-view) | 72052 | $150–$350 | $400–$800 | ~$35–$55 |
| Abdomen (1-view) | 74018 | $120–$300 | $350–$700 | ~$25–$45 |
| Pelvis (1-view) | 72170 | $120–$280 | $300–$650 | ~$25–$40 |
| Wrist (2-view) | 73100 | $80–$200 | $250–$500 | ~$20–$35 |
2. Where to get an X-ray: cost by location
| Location | Typical Cost (chest X-ray) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding imaging center | $100–$250 | Cheapest, quick, focused | Need doctor’s order, may need appointment |
| Urgent care | $150–$350 | Walk-in, on-site reading | Visit fee on top of X-ray |
| Doctor’s office (if equipped) | $100–$300 | Convenient, immediate | Not all offices have X-ray |
| Hospital outpatient | $300–$750 | Available 24/7 | Facility fee markup, long waits |
| Emergency room | $500–$1,500+ | Immediate, any time | ER visit fee ($500–$3,000) on top |
Same ankle X-ray: $180 vs. $890
A runner in Colorado twisted her ankle and her doctor ordered an X-ray. The hospital outpatient department quoted $890 (imaging $340 + facility fee $550). A freestanding imaging center 2 miles away charged $180 total. Same 3-view ankle X-ray (CPT 73610), same radiologist group reading the images. Savings: $710.
3. Why X-ray prices vary so much
- Facility fees: Hospitals add $200–$600 in facility fees on top of the X-ray charge. This covers ER, ICU, and administrative overhead that has nothing to do with your X-ray. See our facility fees guide.
- Hospital vs. freestanding: When a hospital buys an independent imaging center, prices often double overnight—even though nothing changes about the equipment or staff.
- Insurance negotiated rates: The same X-ray may be billed at $600 but the insurer’s negotiated rate is $150. Cash pay patients can often get the negotiated rate by asking.
- Number of views: More views = higher cost. A 2-view chest X-ray costs more than a 1-view. Make sure you aren’t billed for more views than were taken.
- Reading fee: A radiologist charges separately to interpret the X-ray ($30–$100). This may come as a separate bill.
4. Insurance and Medicare coverage
Private insurance
- With referral: Covered after deductible + copay ($20–$75) or coinsurance (10–30%)
- Preventive: Some screening X-rays are covered at 100% under ACA
- ER X-rays: Covered but subject to ER copay + facility charges
Medicare
Medicare Part B covers diagnostic X-rays at 80% after the $257 annual deductible. Your 20% coinsurance on most X-rays is $5–$15 at freestanding centers. At hospital outpatient departments, it’s $10–$30.
5. When you need an X-ray vs. CT or MRI
| Imaging Type | Best For | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| X-ray | Fractures, lung issues, joint alignment | $100–$750 |
| CT scan | Internal injuries, kidney stones, cancer screening | $500–$3,000 |
| MRI | Soft tissue (ligaments, brain, spinal cord) | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Ultrasound | Pregnancy, gallstones, blood flow | $200–$1,000 |
For detailed imaging costs, see our MRI and CT scan cost guide. Find imaging centers at BillKarma’s imaging directory.
6. 5 ways to save on X-rays
a) Go to a freestanding imaging center
50–70% cheaper than hospital outpatient. Ask your doctor to send the order there instead.
b) Ask for the cash pay price
Many imaging centers offer cash/self-pay rates of $50–$150 for basic X-rays—sometimes cheaper than your insurance copay.
c) Check if your X-ray is preventive
Some screening X-rays are covered at 100% under ACA preventive care rules. Ask if your X-ray qualifies.
d) Avoid the ER for non-emergency X-rays
An ER X-ray costs $500–$1,500+ (X-ray + ER visit fee). If it’s not an emergency, go to urgent care or an imaging center instead.
e) Verify the number of views billed
Check your bill for the correct number of views. A 2-view knee X-ray (CPT 73560) costs less than a 3-view (CPT 73562). Make sure you weren’t billed for views that weren’t taken. Upload your bill to BillKarma for a quick check.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an X-ray cost without insurance?
$100–$1,000 depending on body part and location. Imaging centers charge $100–$350, hospitals charge $300–$1,000+. The technology is identical.
Why do X-ray prices vary so much?
Hospital facility fees ($200–$600) are the main driver. Freestanding centers don’t charge facility fees. The X-ray itself costs roughly the same everywhere.
Does insurance cover X-rays?
Yes, with a copay ($20–$75) or coinsurance after your deductible. Some preventive X-rays are covered at 100%. ER X-rays are covered but cost more.
Where is the cheapest place to get an X-ray?
Freestanding imaging centers ($100–$350 for most X-rays). Ask your doctor to send the order there. Urgent care is second cheapest ($150–$400).
How much does Medicare pay for X-rays?
$15–$50 for most X-rays at freestanding facilities. You pay 20% coinsurance ($5–$15) after the $257 Part B deductible.