How much does an X-ray cost?
How much does an X-ray cost?
$100 – $400 average cost at an imaging center (without insurance)
$300 – $800 average cost at a hospital (without insurance)
Average X-ray cost
X-rays cost $100 to $400 per image on average at an imaging center and $300 to $800+ per image at a hospital, without insurance. The cost of an X-ray depends on the imaging facility, body area being scanned, number and type of images, and any insurance coverage.
| Facility | Average X-ray cost* |
|---|---|
| Doctor's office | $50 – $250+ |
| Urgent care center | $75 – $400 |
| Imaging center | $100 – $400 |
| Hospital emergency room | $300 – $800 |
| Hospital inpatient | $300 – $800 |
| Dentist's office | $50 – $250+ |
*Prices are estimates without insurance. Actual costs may vary.
Cost of an X-ray by body part
The cost of an X-ray can range anywhere from $50 to $1,000 or more, depending on the body area being scanned and the facility you visit, but most patients pay $100 to $400 at an imaging center without insurance. Hospital X-rays cost significantly more.
This table provides a reference for the average cost of X-ray procedures without insurance at imaging centers and hospitals.
| Body area | Average cost (imaging center)* |
Average cost (hospital)* |
|---|---|---|
| Abdominal | $150 – $450 | $350 – $700 |
| Ankle | $100 – $400 | $300 – $600 |
| Arm /Elbow | $100 – $400 | $300 – $600 |
| Brain | $450 – $550 | $800 – $1,000+ |
| Bowel | $200 – $500 | $400 – $800 |
| Chest | $100 – $300 | $200 – $500 |
| Colon | $200 – $400 | $400 – $1,000 |
| Eye | $150 – $400 | $300 – $600 |
| Facial bones | $200 – $500 | $400 – $800 |
| Finger / Toe | $100 – $250 | $200 – $500 |
| Hand / Foot | $150 – $400 | $300 – $600 |
| Head and neck | $100 – $400 | $400 – $800 |
| Hip / Pelvis | $300 – $500 | $400 – $800 |
| Leg / Knee | $100 – $400 | $300 – $600 |
| Shoulder / Clavicle | $150 – $350 | $350 – $550 |
| Spine | $100 – $300 | $300 – $600 |
| Wrist | $100 – $400 | $200 – $400 |
| Dental / TMJ | $50 – $250 | $200 – $400 |
*Prices are estimates without insurance. Actual costs may vary.
What is an X-ray?
An X-ray or radiograph is a common medical imaging technique that uses a small amount of ionizing radiation to create detailed images of the structures inside the body. An X-ray is a quick, safe, and cost-effective way for healthcare providers to see your bones, teeth, organs, and other dense tissues.
X-rays work by sending a beam of radiation through your body to create an image on a special film or digital sensor. Denser materials like bones absorb most of the radiation, appearing white. Soft tissues show up in shades of gray. Air-filled spaces, like lungs, allow most radiation to pass through, resulting in black areas on the image.
X-rays are useful for:
Diagnosing medical issues such as fractures, bone cancer, enlarged heart, arthritis, or infections
Monitoring the progression of a diagnosed disease, such as arthritis or osteoporosis
Locating a foreign object that may have been swallowed or embedded in the body
Checking dental health for cavities and other problems
X-ray machine options
Medical imaging technologies allow healthcare providers to diagnose, monitor, and guide treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. Each imaging technique offers unique capabilities that can provide valuable insights into a patient's health at varying costs.
| Imaging type | Average cost* | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional X-rays | $100 – $400 | Captures detailed pictures of the body's structures, including bones, joints, organs, and soft tissues, to help diagnose fractures, arthritis, tumors, foreign objects, and other conditions |
| Digital radiography | $100 – $400 | Uses digital X-ray sensors to capture images faster, with improved quality and easier manipulation |
| Contrast radiography | $800 – $1,000 | Introduces a contrast medium, a liquid or gas typically containing iodine or barium, which absorbs X-rays more than surrounding tissues to produce better detail in the imaging |
| CT scan cost | $300 – $2,000 | Uses a scanner that rotates around you as you lie on a platform, taking X-rays from various angles to create detailed cross-sectional images of your body |
| MRI cost | $350 – $2,500 | Utilizes strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed cross-sectional images of your organs, bones, muscles, soft tissues, and even neurological activity |
| Ultrasound | $200 – $800 | Employs sound waves to image soft tissues and organs in real-time for diagnoses and guiding procedures |
*Per image or procedure without insurance at an imaging center.
X-ray cost factors
X-rays are a valuable diagnostic tool, but the cost can vary widely depending on several factors, including:
Body part: Simple extremity X-rays tend to be less expensive than more complex studies like those of the spine.
X-ray type: Basic X-rays cost less than complex X-rays involving multiple views or contrast dye.
Facility type: X-rays taken at a doctor’s office, imaging center, urgent care center, or other outpatient facility cost less than those taken in a hospital or other inpatient care.
Number of views: The more X-ray images or "views" the technician takes, the higher the total cost.
Insurance coverage: Your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your health insurance coverage and deductible. Most insurance plans cover medically necessary diagnostic X-rays ordered by your doctor. Also, if you have insurance, your costs will be lower at in-network providers.
Additional costs & services
When getting X-rays, it's important to prepare for extra services and costs you might face. Many X-rays start with an urgent care visit that costs $150 to $250 without insurance. For serious health concerns and emergencies, you may require an ER visit that costs $1,500 to $3,000.
Depending on the type of injury or condition you have, other diagnostic procedures and treatments may be necessary at an extra cost. For example, many doctors will want to take blood work that costs $25 to $125 without insurance, depending on which tests they perform.
X-ray FAQs
Are X-rays safe?
X-rays do carry some small risks, but health experts agree they are generally safe when performed by qualified medical professionals using proper safety protocol and dose optimization techniques. In most cases, the benefits of X-rays outweigh the potential risks for the patient.
Does urgent care do X-rays?
Yes, many urgent care centers do offer X-ray services, but not all. It is best to call the specific urgent care facility you plan to visit beforehand to confirm if they offer X-ray services.
Where can I get an X-ray near me?
Hospitals offer the most advanced equipment but have longer wait times and much higher costs. Imaging centers may provide convenient hours and competitive costs compared to hospitals. Urgent care centers are also a good option for quicker X-rays for non-life-threatening situations.
Consider your condition severity, insurance coverage, and personal convenience when choosing where to get an X-ray. Ask your doctor for a referral, and be sure to select a network-preferred provider if you are using health insurance.
How long do X-ray results take?
X-ray results in an emergency can take minutes to hours. In non-emergency situations, results typically take 1 to 2 days but can take longer depending on the radiologist’s availability and the facility workflow.
What can a chest X-ray show?
A chest X-ray offers a view of your chest cavity, revealing details about your lungs, heart, bones, ribs, and even foreign objects. It can help diagnose pneumonia, collapsed lungs, heart issues, and more.
Do tumors show up on X-rays?
Tumors may show up on X-rays, depending on the tumor type, size, and location. X-rays are not a definitive diagnostic tool for tumors, especially soft tissue tumors. If the doctor suspects a tumor, they might recommend other imaging techniques like CT scans or MRIs for a more detailed examination.
Questions to ask your healthcare provider about X-rays
Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider any questions you have. It's important to feel comfortable and informed throughout the X-ray process.
Before the X-ray:
Do I really need an X-ray?
What is the purpose of this X-ray, and what are you hoping to see?
Are there any risks associated with the X-ray, especially considering my medical history?
What is the preparation involved for this X-ray?
Since I'm pregnant, are there any special precautions for X-rays?
What should I expect during the X-ray procedure?
After the X-ray:
How long will it take to get the results?
Who will discuss the results with me, and how will I receive them?
What are the next steps, depending on my results?
Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my results appointment?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.