How Much Does X-ray of the Neck (Cervical Spine, 2-3 Views) Cost?
Also known as: X-ray exam neck spine 2-3 vw (CPT 72040)
X-ray images of the neck vertebrae taken from multiple angles.
X-ray of the Neck (Cervical Spine, 2-3 Views) (CPT 72040) costs $16 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $89.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much X-ray exam neck spine 2-3 vw costs across different settings and payers
Patient Guide: X-ray of the Neck (Cervical Spine, 2-3 Views)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
You stand or sit while images of your neck are taken from the front and side. You may need to open your mouth for one view.
How Long Does It Take?
10-15 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Neck pain after accident, whiplash evaluation, neck stiffness, suspected fracture
How to Prepare
Remove necklaces and earrings. Stay still during each image. Inform staff if pregnant.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside X-ray exam neck spine 2-3 vw
X-ray exam neck spine 2-3 vw Cost by Location
Medicare-adjusted rates across CMS localities
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $45 | $59 — $91 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $36 | $46 — $71 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $35 | $46 — $70 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $39 | $51 — $78 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $43 | $56 — $86 |
| CA — CHICO | $43 | $56 — $86 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $43 | $56 — $86 |
| CA — FRESNO | $43 | $56 — $86 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $43 | $56 — $86 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $46 | $60 — $92 |
| CA — MADERA | $43 | $56 — $86 |
| CA — MERCED | $43 | $56 — $86 |
| CA — MODESTO | $43 | $56 — $86 |
| CA — NAPA | $50 | $65 — $101 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $46 | $59 — $92 |
| CA — REDDING | $43 | $56 — $86 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $43 | $56 — $86 |
| CA — RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO-ONTARIO | $43 | $56 — $86 |
| CA — SACRAMENTO-ROSEVILLE-FOLSOM | $45 | $59 — $90 |
| CA — SALINAS | $45 | $58 — $90 |
| CA — SAN DIEGO-CHULA VISTA-CARLSBAD | $46 | $60 — $92 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (MARIN CNTY) | $53 | $70 — $107 |
| CA — SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND-BERKELEY (SAN FRANCISCO/SAN MATEO/ALAMEDA/CONTRA COSTA CNTY) | $53 | $69 — $107 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SAN BENITO CNTY) | $55 | $71 — $109 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SANTA CLARA CNTY) | $55 | $71 — $109 |
How to Reduce Your Cost for X-ray exam neck spine 2-3 vw
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
For this procedure, the office rate ($56) differs from the facility rate ($16). Ask if it can be done in an office setting.
- 3 Shop around — costs vary significantly
Medicare rates for this procedure range from $25 to $55 depending on location. Commercial rates vary even more.
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 () x CF ($33.40) = N/A
Related Procedures
Similar procedures in the same category or body system
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does X-ray exam neck spine 2-3 vw cost?
The Medicare facility rate for X-ray exam neck spine 2-3 vw is $16. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $89. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does X-ray exam neck spine 2-3 vw cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of X-ray exam neck spine 2-3 vw 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 neck spine 2-3 vw?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover X-ray exam neck spine 2-3 vw 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.