How much does a thyroid ultrasound cost?
How much does a thyroid ultrasound cost?
$200 – $600 average cost without insurance
Average thyroid ultrasound cost
For patients without insurance, a thyroid ultrasound costs $200 to $400 at a doctor's office, $250 to $600 at a diagnostic imaging center, or $400 to $1,000+ at a hospital. The cost of a thyroid ultrasound depends on your location, the facility type, and whether you have insurance coverage or copays.
| Healthcare facility | Average cost without insurance |
|---|---|
| Doctor's office | $200 – $400 |
| Imaging center | $250 – $600 |
| Hospital | $400 – $1,000+ |
What affects the cost of a thyroid ultrasound?
Several factors affect thyroid ultrasound costs:
Geographical location: Ultrasounds carried out in large metropolitan areas cost more than those in rural settings with lower than average healthcare costs.
Facility type: Hospital ultrasounds are more expensive than tests done in imaging centers or doctors' offices due to their higher overhead expenses.
Insurance coverage: Insurance plans help reduce costs, but coverage and out-of-pocket expenses vary widely. Ask about pre-authorization, deductibles, and whether the radiology interpretation is billed separately.
Technician and equipment quality: More advanced ultrasound machines may result in higher costs.
Additional tests: While ultrasound is accurate for finding suspicious nodules, it cannot detect every thyroid function problem. Some conditions need blood tests or additional scans for a complete diagnosis.
What is a thyroid ultrasound?
A thyroid ultrasound, also called a thyroid sonogram or thyroid echogram, is an imaging procedure that uses sound waves to create pictures of the thyroid gland in the neck. No special preparation is needed. The test involves moving a small handheld device, called a transducer, over the skin above the thyroid. This procedure is painless and completely free of radiation risks.
What does a thyroid ultrasound show?
A thyroid ultrasound reveals the size, shape, and structure of the thyroid gland and any nearby tissue. It can detect nodules, cysts, calcifications, and irregularities. Thyroid sonogram images can help identify if a mass is solid or filled with fluid, which guides further treatment or testing.
Why would a doctor order a thyroid ultrasound?
Doctors request a thyroid ultrasound to check for lumps, nodules, or swelling found during a physical exam or for abnormal bloodwork. Reasons for ordering one include:
Evaluating thyroid nodules or enlargement
Monitoring previously found nodules
Guiding fine-needle biopsy of a suspicious area
Investigating symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or rapid growth in the neck
What does a normal thyroid ultrasound look like?
A normal thyroid ultrasound shows a smooth, uniformly textured gland without masses or cysts. The gland appears as a homogenous gray image with well-defined borders. No abnormal nodules, areas of darkness, or irregular shapes should be visible on the scan. This indicates a healthy thyroid structure.
Most patients receive results in 1 to 2 days. After reviewing the images, your doctor will discuss the findings and let you know if any follow-up tests or treatments are needed.
Thyroid sonogram FAQs
How long does a thyroid ultrasound take?
A thyroid ultrasound takes about 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish. The duration can vary depending on how many images are needed or if the sonographer needs to focus extra time on a specific area.
Can an ultrasound detect cancer in the thyroid?
An ultrasound cannot confirm if a thyroid nodule is cancer, but it can detect features that suggest whether a nodule may be malignant or benign. Ultrasound helps spot suspicious characteristics such as irregular borders, microcalcifications, and solid composition. If a nodule appears suspicious, the radiologist often recommends a biopsy for a definitive diagnosis.
What color is thyroid cancer on an ultrasound?
Thyroid cancer often appears as a dark (hypoechoic) area on grayscale ultrasound with possible bright white calcifications. With Color Doppler, it may show abnormal blood flow patterns, but there is no unique cancer color.
Questions to ask your healthcare provider
Ask your healthcare provider these questions about your thyroid ultrasound to better understand the process and your results:
What are you looking for with this thyroid ultrasound?
What did the ultrasound show about my thyroid or nodules?
Will I need additional tests or ultrasounds?
How and when will I receive my results?
If the ultrasound shows something unusual, what treatment or next steps will you recommend?
How often should I have my thyroid checked with ultrasound going forward?
Can you explain the findings in simple terms if I have questions about the report?
What will the thyroid ultrasound cost, and is it covered by my insurance 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.