Unexpected medical bills can be scary, especially when you’re uninsured or underinsured. Even a common diagnostic procedure like an X-ray can come with a hefty price tag.
So, how much do X-rays cost without insurance? The answer isn’t always straightforward. The price of an X-ray can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of X-ray, the facility where it’s performed, and your geographic location.
This article will break down the typical costs of X-rays for those without insurance, explore the factors that influence those costs, and provide strategies for potentially saving money. We’ll also cover the different types of X-rays, your options for where to get them, and the important questions to ask your doctor.
What is an X-ray?
An X-ray, also called a radiograph, is a procedure that uses radiation to create images of the inside of your body. Different tissues absorb different amounts of radiation. These differences are captured on film and create a shadow image of your bones and organs.
Doctors use X-rays to diagnose:
- Bone fractures
- Lung conditions
- Swallowed items
- Dental problems
There are many types of X-rays, including abdominal X-rays, bone X-rays, chest X-rays, and dental X-rays.
Factors Affecting X-Ray Costs Without Insurance
If you’re paying out of pocket for an X-ray, there are several factors that will affect the final price.
Type of Facility
- Hospitals. Typically, hospitals are the most expensive place to get an X-ray because they have higher overhead costs and need to be equipped to handle emergencies. You can expect to pay around $300 to $800 for an X-ray at a hospital, but keep in mind that an ER visit alone can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000.
- Imaging Centers. These centers specialize in diagnostic imaging, so they’re often more affordable than hospitals. At an imaging center, you might pay $100 to $400 for an X-ray. As an example, an abdominal X-ray might cost $150 to $450 at an imaging center, compared to $350 to $700 at a hospital.
- Urgent Care Centers. Urgent care centers are a mid-range option for non-emergency situations. You can probably expect to pay $75 to $400 for an X-ray at an urgent care center.
- Doctor’s Offices. For simple X-rays, a doctor’s office might be the least expensive option, with prices starting around $50 and going up to $250 or more.
Body Part Being X-Rayed
The complexity of the X-ray will also affect the cost.
- Simple X-rays of a wrist or finger will generally be less expensive.
- More complex X-rays, such as those of the spine or brain, will typically be more expensive.
Here are a couple of examples:
- Eye X-ray: $150 to $400 (imaging center), $300 to $600 (hospital)
- Shoulder/Clavicle X-ray: $150 to $350 (imaging center), $350 to $550 (hospital)
Number of Views
The number of images your doctor needs to get an accurate diagnosis will also impact the price. More images mean higher costs.
X-Ray Costs by Body Part (Without Insurance)
If you don’t have insurance, the cost of an X-ray can vary quite a bit depending on the body part being imaged and the facility you go to. Here’s a general idea:
- Chest X-Ray: This is a common X-ray used to check for lung problems, heart issues, and other conditions in your chest. You can expect to pay somewhere between $75 and $450.
- Abdominal X-Ray: Doctors use this to look at your abdominal organs to find things like bowel obstructions or kidney stones. This one can range quite a bit, from $150 to $800.
- Bone X-Rays (arm, leg, wrist, ankle, etc.): These are used to find fractures, dislocations, and other bone problems. The cost typically falls between $50 and $500, depending on how complicated the X-ray is and where you get it done.
- Dental X-Rays: Dentists use these to check your teeth, jawbones, and the tissues around them. The price can vary from $25 to $250 per X-ray, depending on what kind of images they need.
What other costs might I need to consider?
The cost of the X-ray itself isn’t the only thing you should keep in mind. You may also need to pay for:
- An urgent care visit: If you go to an urgent care clinic, you’ll be charged for the visit in addition to the X-ray.
- Radiologist fees: A radiologist has to read and interpret the images, and they may bill you separately.
- Contrast material: Sometimes, doctors use a contrast dye to make the images clearer. This will add to the cost. (Also, be aware that X-rays with contrast dye can cause allergic reactions in some people.)
- Follow-up appointments: You’ll probably need to see the doctor again to discuss the results and any treatment you might need.
Cost-Saving Strategies for X-Rays Without Insurance
If you need an X-ray but don’t have insurance, you still have options for reducing your costs.
Compare prices at different facilities
Call different hospitals, imaging centers, and urgent care clinics and ask about their prices for X-rays. Freestanding outpatient facilities are often much cheaper than hospital-based inpatient facilities. The average cost of an X-ray at an inpatient facility can be around $450, whereas at an outpatient center, it might be closer to $75.
Ask about cash discounts
Many facilities will give you a discount if you pay in cash. The cost of an X-ray for cash-paying patients at an outpatient clinic might be somewhere between $45 and $250.
Consider urgent care centers
For non-emergency situations, urgent care centers are often more affordable than hospital emergency rooms.
Use online resources
Websites like MDsave can help you find more affordable X-ray options. The national average cost of an X-ray through MDsave is about $279.
Inquire about payment plans
Some facilities offer payment plans to make the cost easier to manage over time.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services tool
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a tool to help you find discounted care based on your income. It’s worth checking out to see if you qualify for any assistance.
How to prepare for your X-ray
If you think you might be pregnant, tell your doctor.
On the day of your X-ray, wear loose, comfortable clothing. You’ll need to remove anything metal, such as jewelry or piercings. Metal interferes with the imaging. You may need to change into a medical gown.
Depending on the type of X-ray, you might need to avoid eating for a certain period before the procedure. Your doctor will let you know if you need to fast.
What to expect from your X-ray results
The X-ray itself usually takes about 15 minutes.
Afterwards, a radiologist will look at your images and write a report for your doctor. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you and tell you what to do next.
You should ask your doctor how long it will take for them to get the results and how they will share them with you.
Are X-rays safe?
X-rays use radiation, which can be dangerous in large doses. But the amount of radiation in an X-ray is small.
In general, experts consider X-rays safe when qualified professionals perform them.
If you’re pregnant or think you may be, let your doctor know. Radiation can be harmful to a developing fetus.
How often can you get an X-ray? As little as possible, to keep radiation exposure at a minimum.
Putting It All Together
If you don’t have health insurance, it’s important to understand what an X-ray will cost you. By comparing prices, looking into lower-cost options, and talking openly with your doctor, you may be able to lower the financial burden of this important diagnostic test.
It’s important to take care of your health, but it’s also important to be aware of your budget and how you’ll pay for medical care. You may also want to consider using a credit card like CareCredit to manage health and wellness costs.