How Much Does an Ultrasound Cost Without Insurance

If you've ever been pregnant, had a kidney stone, or gotten your gallbladder or thyroid checked, you've probably encountered an ultrasound. This noninvasive diagnostic tool uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images inside the body. An ultrasound can help healthcare professionals diagnose and monitor conditions.

An ultrasound can be beneficial, but it can cost hundreds of dollars if you don't have insurance. The price you pay will depend on many factors, including your location and the type of ultrasound you need. But there are ways to save money.

What is the cost of an ultrasound without insurance?

In the United States, the average cost of an ultrasound is about $400 without insurance. But this can vary depending on the complexity of the scan and where you live. In general, you can expect an ultrasound to cost $200 to $1,000.

Below are some sample costs based on different types of ultrasounds:

Factors that can affect the cost of an ultrasound

How much an ultrasound costs can depend on a variety of factors, including:

1. Where you live

This is one of the biggest factors in the cost of your ultrasound. The cost in Washington, D.C., and Miami is $130 to $330. In Los Angeles, it's $150 to $390. The costs vary greatly if you're getting a fetal ultrasound. That procedure can cost $180 to $800 in California, $190 to $480 in New York, and $200 to $500 in Texas.

2. The area of your body that needs an ultrasound

An ultrasound of the abdomen can cost $120 to $290, while a spinal ultrasound can cost $130 to $340. On the upper end of the cost spectrum, an echocardiogram of the heart can cost as much as $3,000. The complexity of the scan also affects price because some ultrasounds are more detailed than others. And there are fees paid to the professional who administers it and the radiologist or other physician who interprets results.

3. Where you get the test done

A hospital will usually charge more for an ultrasound than an urgent care center or a diagnostic imaging center. Hospitals have higher operational costs because they're larger and treat sicker patients.

4. The type of machine that is used

The most common kind of ultrasound produces 2D images. If a healthcare professional wants to use a 3D or 4D ultrasound for better image clarity and color, expect to pay more. Although 3D and 4D ultrasounds are commonly used with pregnant women, healthcare professionals also use them to see more detail when scanning the head or neck,heart, or other areas.

Does insurance cover ultrasounds?

In most cases, health insurance will cover the ultrasound if it is considered medically necessary by a healthcare professional. For example, if you need a diagnostic ultrasound for abdominal pain or an ultrasound for pregnancy, insurance plans typically cover ultrasounds for those reasons. But 3D and 4D ultrasounds during pregnancy are often considered elective. These typically aren't covered by insurance unless a healthcare professional says they're medically necessary.

It's also important to check with your insurance plan to see if an ultrasound provider is in network. If it isn't, you may face higher out-of-pocket costs.

Paying for an ultrasound without insurance

If you don't have insurance, many facilities that provide ultrasounds - such as hospitals, urgent care centers, and diagnostic imaging centers - offer self-pay discounts for paying cash up front. Some may also provide interest-free financing and payment plans. These options make paying for an ultrasound more affordable and allow you to pay over time.

Before scheduling your ultrasound, ask about financing options, payment plans, and discounts. This will give you a better idea of how much money you will need to budget.

How to save on ultrasounds

Here are some ways to save on the cost of an ultrasound:

• Use an outpatient facility. Hospitals usually charge more for ultrasounds than outpatient facilities, like urgent care clinics and diagnostic imaging centers. Hospitals have higher overhead costs due to advanced equipment, larger staffs, and emergency services. Outpatient centers focus on routine procedures, which allows them to minimize expenses.

• Shop around. It's also a good idea to call different facilities to make sure you find the best rate. If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to obtain free or low-cost medical services at a community health center or with help from a nonprofit organization.

• Use an HSA account. You can use funds in a health savings account (HSA) to pay for qualified medical expenses, such as ultrasounds not fully covered by insurance. The money in your HSA never expires, so even if you switch insurance plans, you can still use the remaining funds for eligible healthcare expenses.