How Much Does Chest X-ray (2 Views) Cost?
Also known as: X-ray exam chest 2 views (CPT 71046)
A standard chest X-ray taken from the front and side to look at your lungs, heart, and chest bones.
Chest X-ray (2 Views) (CPT 71046) costs $33 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $89.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much X-ray exam chest 2 views costs across different settings and payers
Patient Guide: Chest X-ray (2 Views)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
You stand against an X-ray plate and hold your breath for a few seconds while two images are taken - one from the front and one from the side.
How Long Does It Take?
5-10 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, pneumonia check, pre-surgery evaluation, rib pain
How to Prepare
Remove jewelry and clothing with metal from the chest area. You will wear a hospital gown. Inform staff if pregnant.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside X-ray exam chest 2 views
X-ray exam chest 2 views Cost by Location
Medicare-adjusted rates across CMS localities
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $38 | $50 — $76 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $30 | $39 — $60 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $29 | $38 — $59 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $32 | $42 — $65 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $36 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — CHICO | $35 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $35 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — FRESNO | $35 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $35 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $38 | $49 — $76 |
| CA — MADERA | $35 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — MERCED | $35 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — MODESTO | $35 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — NAPA | $41 | $54 — $83 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $38 | $49 — $76 |
| CA — REDDING | $35 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $35 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO-ONTARIO | $36 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — SACRAMENTO-ROSEVILLE-FOLSOM | $37 | $49 — $75 |
| CA — SALINAS | $37 | $48 — $74 |
| CA — SAN DIEGO-CHULA VISTA-CARLSBAD | $38 | $50 — $76 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (MARIN CNTY) | $44 | $57 — $88 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (SAN FRANCISCO/SAN MATEO/ALAMEDA/CONTRA COSTA CNTY) | $44 | $57 — $88 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SAN BENITO CNTY) | $45 | $58 — $90 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SANTA CLARA CNTY) | $45 | $58 — $90 |
What Insurance Companies Actually Pay
Real negotiated rates from 15 hospitals across 6 states (from hospital price transparency filings)
| Insurance Company | Avg Rate | Range | Hospitals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $314 | $79 - $1,166 | 8 |
| United | $251 | $34 - $994 | 10 |
| Cigna | $359 | $43 - $1,413 | 9 |
| BCBS | $225 | $35 - $708 | 5 |
| Humana | $270 | $42 - $1,063 | 8 |
| KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN, INC. | $204 | $118 - $370 | 5 |
| Community Health Choice MCD | $34 | $34 | 3 |
| Molina Healthcare | $37 | $37 | 3 |
| BCBS-TX | $189 | $113 - $269 | 2 |
| Multiplan | $898 | $146 - $1,988 | 4 |
| Anthem | $259 | $25 - $1,634 | 2 |
| Wellpoint | $294 | $34 - $1,229 | 2 |
How to Reduce Your Cost for X-ray exam chest 2 views
Practical tips that can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars
- 1 Ask about cash-pay discounts
Many hospitals and clinics offer 20-40% discounts for self-pay patients. Always ask before scheduling.
- 2 Compare facility vs. office setting costs
Some procedures cost significantly less in an office setting than a hospital. Ask your provider about options.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Medicare rates for this procedure range from $29 to $45 depending on location. Commercial rates vary even more.
- 4 Check ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
This procedure is available at ASCs for $23, compared to $89 at hospital outpatient departments. ASCs often offer lower costs with comparable quality.
How is the Price Calculated?
Medicare calculates procedure payments using Relative Value Units (RVUs). Each procedure has three components multiplied by a conversion factor ($33.40 in 2026) and adjusted by geographic cost indices.
Payment = Total RVU (0.99) x CF ($33.40) = $33
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does X-ray exam chest 2 views cost?
The Medicare facility rate for X-ray exam chest 2 views is $33. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $89. At an ambulatory surgery center, the rate is $23. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does X-ray exam chest 2 views cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of X-ray exam chest 2 views can range from 150% of Medicare to 500% of Medicare depending on the facility. Many hospitals and clinics offer self-pay discounts of 20-40% off their chargemaster price. Always ask about cash pricing before your visit.
Does insurance cover X-ray exam chest 2 views?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover X-ray exam chest 2 views when ordered by a physician for a medically necessary reason. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay/coinsurance structure, and whether you use an in-network provider. Check with your insurance company before scheduling to confirm coverage and get a cost estimate.
Why does the cost vary so much by location?
Medicare adjusts payments using Geographic Practice Cost Indices (GPCIs) that reflect local differences in physician work costs, practice expenses, and malpractice insurance. Manhattan, San Francisco, and other high-cost areas pay significantly more than rural regions. Commercial insurers follow similar geographic patterns.