How much does a pulmonary function test cost?
How much does a pulmonary function test cost?
$150 – $1,200 average cost (without insurance)
$25 – $275 average cost (with insurance)
Average pulmonary function test cost
A pulmonary function test costs $150 to $1,200 without insurance, depending on your insurance coverage, location, and the provider. PFT test prices are lower in local medical offices and outpatient clinics than at hospitals.
Doctors recommend PFTs for unexplained shortness of breath, cough, or wheezing. The test checks how well your lungs work and helps your doctor diagnose chronic lung conditions and track disease progression or treatment effects.
| Location | Average PFT cost (without insurance) |
Average PFT cost (with insurance) |
|---|---|---|
| Local physician's office | $150 – $350 | $25 – $90 |
| Outpatient clinic | $200 – $500 | $30 – $100 |
| Hospital | $500 – $1,200 | $50 – $275 |
Local physician's office
A pulmonary function test costs $150 to $350 at local physicians' offices if you do not have insurance. Insurance coverage significantly reduces costs, with most patients paying only a $25 to $90 copay.
Outpatient clinic
At an outpatient clinic, you can expect to pay $200 to $500 for a PFT test if uninsured. With an insurance plan, your portion drops to $30 to $100, depending on your coverage and benefits.
Hospital
Hospitals charge the most for a PFT test, with the patient's responsibility ranging from $500 to $1,200 without insurance. While insurance reduces the cost, patients still face higher out-of-pocket expenses than at other locations, usually $50 to $275 after their benefits are processed.
What is a pulmonary function test?
A pulmonary function test (PFT) checks how well your lungs work, measuring air movement and oxygen exchange. It helps diagnose chronic lung conditions and tracks disease progression or treatment effects. The test is safe, non-invasive, and often finished in under an hour.
What is spirometry?
Spirometry is the main, most common part of any PFT. It measures how much air you breathe out and how quickly. The results screen for problems like asthma or COPD and are sometimes all your doctor needs for diagnosis or routine monitoring.
Cost of a spirometry test
If your doctor needs only basic spirometry without a full PFT panel, the prices are much lower. Most insurance plans cover this test as part of routine screening.
The following table shows average out-of-pocket costs for simple spirometry testing at common healthcare sites.
| Location | Average cost (without insurance) |
Average cost (with insurance) |
|---|---|---|
| Local physician office | $40 – $100 | $10 – $35 |
| Outpatient clinic | $50 – $150 | $15 – $50 |
| Hospital | $100 – $350 | $20 – $75 |
PFT cost factors
Many factors affect the cost of a spirometry or pulmonary function test, including:
Insurance status: Health insurance dramatically reduces out-of-pocket costs if the PFT is medically necessary.
Test complexity: Basic spirometry is more affordable than a full PFT panel, which includes extra measurements.
Provider network: In-network facilities lower your bill; out-of-network providers result in higher patient expenses.
Location: Costs can be higher in metropolitan areas due to higher rents, wages, and operating expenses.
Self-pay discounts: Many clinics and practices provide cash discounts for upfront payment.
Extra procedures: Additional breathing or imaging tests performed in the same appointment will increase the overall cost.
Related tests & treatments
Depending on the results of your PFT or the reason for your visit, your doctor may order more tests or prescribe an inhaler or oxygen usage. The following table shows the average cost of the tests and treatments your doctor may recommend:
| Test or treatment | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Inhaler cost | $10 – $350+ per month |
| Albuterol inhaler cost | $15 – $100 per month |
| Oxygen concentrator cost | $650 – $4,000 |
| Allergy shots cost | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| TB test cost | $50 – $350 |
| X-ray cost | $100 – $800 |
What not to do before a pulmonary function test
To prepare for a PFT, follow these guidelines:
Do not smoke for at least 4 to 6 hours before your appointment.
Avoid alcohol on the test day.
Skip heavy meals for a few hours before the test.
Avoid strenuous exercise.
Ask your doctor ahead of time whether you should temporarily pause any inhaled medicines.
Pulmonary function test FAQs
When is a pulmonary function test required?
Doctors recommend PFTs for unexplained shortness of breath, cough, or wheezing. PFTs also evaluate lung status before surgery, help monitor ongoing lung disease, and assess how medications or work exposures are affecting lung function.
How long does a pulmonary function test take?
Most PFTs take 45 minutes to 1 hour, including setup and instructions. Standalone spirometry is much faster, often finished in 15 minutes or less.
How is pulmonary function test done?
For both PFTs and spirometry, you'll sit upright, take deep breaths, and forcefully exhale into a mouthpiece connected to the measuring device. Some maneuvers are repeated for accuracy. A staff member will demonstrate each part and give you real-time feedback.
What is incentive spirometry?
Incentive spirometry is not a diagnostic test. It's a breathing exercise tool doctors give patients post-surgery or illness. The device helps rebuild lung strength and capacity by encouraging slow, deep breaths.
Questions to ask your doctor
Booking a PFT or spirometry is the perfect time to clarify everything in advance. Ask your doctor these questions:
What type of pulmonary function testing is best for me?
Are there any activity or medication restrictions before my test?
Will my insurance cover all or some of the cost?
Should I expect any extra tests alongside spirometry?
When will my results be ready, and who will explain them?
Will I need repeat testing in the future?
How will these results guide my treatment plan?
The content of this site is for educational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or services. The information provided should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of health problems. Always consult with a licensed healthcare professional for advice about any medical concerns.