How Much Does X-ray of the Mid-Back (Thoracic Spine, 2 Views) Cost?
Also known as: X-ray exam thorac spine 2vws (CPT 72070)
X-ray images of the middle portion of the spine.
X-ray of the Mid-Back (Thoracic Spine, 2 Views) (CPT 72070) costs $33 at Medicare rates. Hospital outpatient rate: $107.
Cost Comparison by Payer
How much X-ray exam thorac spine 2vws costs across different settings and payers
Patient Guide: X-ray of the Mid-Back (Thoracic Spine, 2 Views)
What you need to know before your appointment
What to Expect
You stand or lie down while front and side images of your mid-back are taken.
How Long Does It Take?
10 minutes
Common Reasons Doctors Order This
Mid-back pain, suspected fracture, posture evaluation, trauma assessment
How to Prepare
Remove clothing with metal from the torso area. Inform staff if pregnant.
Procedures Commonly Done Together
These procedures are frequently performed alongside X-ray exam thorac spine 2vws
X-ray exam thorac spine 2vws Cost by Location
Medicare-adjusted rates across CMS localities
| Location | Medicare Rate | Est. Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| AK — ALASKA | $38 | $49 — $76 |
| AL — ALABAMA | $30 | $39 — $59 |
| AR — ARKANSAS | $29 | $38 — $59 |
| AZ — ARIZONA | $32 | $42 — $65 |
| CA — BAKERSFIELD | $36 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — CHICO | $36 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — EL CENTRO | $36 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — FRESNO | $36 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — HANFORD-CORCORAN | $36 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — LOS ANGELES-LONG BEACH-ANAHEIM (LOS ANGELES/ORANGE CNTY) | $38 | $49 — $76 |
| CA — MADERA | $36 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — MERCED | $36 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — MODESTO | $36 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — NAPA | $42 | $54 — $83 |
| CA — OXNARD-THOUSAND OAKS-VENTURA | $38 | $49 — $76 |
| CA — REDDING | $36 | $46 — $71 |
| CA — REST OF CALIFORNIA | $36 | $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 | $59 — $90 |
| CA — SAN JOSE-SUNNYVALE-SANTA CLARA (SANTA CLARA CNTY) | $45 | $58 — $90 |
How to Reduce Your Cost for X-ray exam thorac spine 2vws
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.
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 thorac spine 2vws cost?
The Medicare facility rate for X-ray exam thorac spine 2vws is $33. In a hospital outpatient setting, the rate is $107. Commercial insurance rates typically range from 150% to 250% of Medicare (varies by plan).
How much does X-ray exam thorac spine 2vws cost without insurance?
Without insurance, the cost of X-ray exam thorac spine 2vws 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 thorac spine 2vws?
Most commercial health insurance plans and Medicare cover X-ray exam thorac spine 2vws 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.