Getting an X-ray is one of the most common methods healthcare professionals use to examine the inside of your body and determine what is wrong. Whether you tripped and hurt your ankle or have a cough that won’t go away, X-rays are often the first step toward finding answers and starting treatment. Doctors rely on imaging to spot fractures, infections or other hidden issues.
However, going through an X-ray procedure comes at a cost. While the test is generally affordable with coverage, expenses can quickly add up. If you do not have health insurance, it’s normal to worry about the price and whether you can afford the care you need.
Overview
Suppose you are not covered; a general X-ray costs $100 or more, according to MD Save. Most people, however, pay anywhere between $200 and $500. The price varies significantly depending on which part of your body needs to be checked and where you go to get it done. Visiting a dedicated imaging center is typically more cost-effective than going to a hospital emergency room.
“Regarding the risks and benefits of any procedure, families and patients must be correctly informed; this includes imaging procedures… It’s important to question whether an X-ray is more harmful than beneficial to their health,” says Dr. Justus Rabach, MD, Clinical Medicine and Surgery (MBChB).
Average cost of X-rays
The price of an X-ray varies for each individual, depending on whether the bill is paid through insurance or out of pocket.
With insurance
If you have health insurance, you usually will not pay the full price. Instead, you will pay a small fee called a copay. For most plans, this copay is between $10 and $50. However, if you have not met your “deductible,” which is the amount you have to pay yourself before insurance starts helping, you might have to pay the full negotiated rate, which is usually lower than the price for people without insurance.
Without insurance
If you do not have insurance coverage and opt to pay in cash, the price varies widely. You are likely to encounter higher costs for spine or back imaging because it requires more images than finger or hand imaging. Hospitals often charge much more than urgent care clinics or standalone imaging centers for the same test.
Factors that affect cost
Why do some X-rays cost more than others? For example, a closer look at your spine typically costs around $500, while a finger X-ray costs approximately $100. Here are the main reasons for these variations:
The facility: Hospitals are the most expensive places to get an X-ray. They usually have high “overhead” costs – these are the bills that keep the hospital running 24/7. Independent imaging centers or urgent care clinics are generally cheaper.
The body part: The cost is likely to be high or low depending on which part of your body is being tested. Taking a picture of a finger is easy. But taking a picture of your spine requires more time and more photos from different angles. More views mean a higher price.
Location: This is a crucial factor affecting the price you will pay for imaging. If you live in urban areas, you might pay more compared to someone living in rural areas. Urban hospitals are equipped with advanced medical equipment and attract patients from diverse backgrounds.
Radiologist fees: Sometimes you get two bills: one for taking the picture (considered a technical fee), and one for the healthcare professional who interprets it (professional fee).
Insurance coverage details
Most health insurance plans cover X-rays because they are deemed “medically necessary,” as explained by Medicare. X-rays are primarily used to detect problems, so you may be charged a small fee. Simple scans typically do not require additional permission. However, for larger or more complex areas, your insurance company might need to grant approval.
How to save money on X-rays
If you do not have insurance, an X-ray usually costs between $100 or more. The price varies depending on the body part and location. Hospitals can be costly, but visiting an urgent care clinic or imaging center is often more affordable.
You can lower your bill by shopping around for the best price. Contact different clinics to inquire about their cash rates. Unless it is a serious emergency, avoid the hospital. Many places also give discounts if you pay the full amount immediately. Another option is to ask for the “self-pay” rate. When you call to make an appointment, say clearly: “I do not have insurance. Do you have a self-pay or cash discount rate?” Many centers offer a special price list for cash patients, which is approximately 20% cheaper than the standard bill.
What conditions can an X-ray detect?
X-rays use invisible energy to take pictures of the inside of your body. They are perfect for finding broken bones or painful cracks, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dentists also use these pictures to detect cavities in your teeth or to identify areas where your joints are wearing down.
Doctors also examine organs like your lungs to detect illnesses. An infection, such as pneumonia, appears as white spots on an X-ray. These pictures help the doctor see exactly where the problem is, so they can prescribe the right medicine, as approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Which is cheaper, an MRI or an X-ray?
X-rays are much cheaper and faster than MRIs, as noted by Healthline. An X-ray usually costs between $100 and $500 and takes only minutes. However, MRIs use large magnets, take up to an hour and can cost thousands of dollars without insurance.
Medical experts usually start with an X-ray because it saves time and money. While MRIs are better for seeing soft body parts, X-rays are simpler. Your doctor will likely only order an MRI if the X-ray does not show the problem.
Can I negotiate the price of an X-ray?
If you receive a high bill, call the billing department. Explain that you are paying out of pocket and ask if they can lower the price to what Medicare would pay. If you are struggling with financial difficulties, inquire about “charity care” or payment plans. Many hospitals are willing to lower the bill rather than go unpaid.
Bottom line
An X-ray is a quick and standard tool for diagnosing injuries, but the cost can range from $100 or higher, depending on where you go. To avoid a large bill, skip the hospital emergency room if possible and choose an urgent care center or an independent imaging center. Always ask for the “cash price” upfront if you do not have insurance, as this can save you hundreds of dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just walk in and get an X-ray?
Usually, no; you generally need a doctor’s order or prescription to get an X-ray, though urgent care clinics can evaluate you and perform the X-ray on the same visit.
What cannot be detected by X-ray?
X-rays are not effective at showing soft tissues, so they often miss torn ligaments (such as an ACL tear), muscle damage or small tumors in the brain.
Which is more accurate, an X-ray or a CT scan?
According to the CDC, a CT scan is more accurate because it produces 3D images, whereas an X-ray produces only a 2D flat image. However, a CT scan costs more and exposes the patient to more radiation.
Citations
World Health Organization. To X-ray or not to X-ray? www.who.int. Published April 14, 2016. https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/to-x-ray-or-not-to-x-ray-
MediCare. X-Ray Coverage. www.medicare.gov. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/x-rays
Mayo Clinic. X-ray: Imaging test quickly helps diagnosis – Mayo Clinic. Mayoclinic.org. Published January 20, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/x-ray/about/pac-20395303
Food and Drug Administration. Medical X-ray Imaging. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Published February 21, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/medical-imaging/medical-x-ray-imaging
Cherney K. MRI vs. X-Ray: Pros, Cons, Costs & More. Healthline. Published August 30, 2021. https://www.healthline.com/health/mri-vs-xray
CDC. Facts About Computed Tomography (CT) Scans. Radiation and Your Health. Published February 20, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-health/data-research/facts-stats/ct-scans.html