Cost guide
How much does an ultrasound cost?
Without insurance, an ultrasound typically costs $200–$800, with a median cash price around $150–$365 depending on the study. An abdominal ultrasound (CPT 76700) has published cash prices from $53 to over $6,000, with a median of about $600. Hospital-based scans cost 2–3x imaging centers.
💰 What Ultrasound costs without insurance
| Scenario | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cash price — imaging center | $105 | Median ~$150; simple studies like obstetrics are at the low end. |
| Cash price — hospital outpatient | $309 | Median ~$365, before professional fees. |
| Typical range overall | $200 | More complex studies (heart, multiple organs) cost more. |
| With insurance (out of pocket) | $50 | After deductible/coinsurance, typical copay structure. |
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Why the bill looks so high
Ultrasound has no radiation and no contrast, but hospital outpatient billing still attaches facility and professional fees at rack rates. The median hospital cash price ($365) is roughly 2x the imaging-center median ($150) for the same study.
What changes the price
- Study type — a limited or obstetric study is cheaper than a complete multi-organ or cardiac (echo) study.
- Place of service — imaging centers run $100–$400; hospitals run $300–$800+.
- Professional fee — the interpreting physician bills separately from the facility in many settings.
- Pregnancy-related care — obstetrics bundles may change how the study is priced.
Ways to pay less
- Price the exact CPT code before scheduling.76700 (abdomen) and 76856 (pelvis) are the two most common.
- Ask for the self-pay rate; imaging centers commonly quote $105–$200..
- If ordered for routine reasons, ask your provider whether the scan can be done at an outpatient imaging center instead of the hospital..
- Check that only one interpretation fee appears on your bill..
CPT codes on your Ultrasound bill
Each line of your bill maps to a CPT (and HCPCS) code. Look up the exact code to see what it means and what else may apply.
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Generate an appeal letter →How much does an ultrasound cost without insurance?
Typically $200–$800, with a median cash price of ~$150 at imaging centers and ~$365 at hospitals. Simple studies (obstetric, limited) are at the low end; complete multi-organ or cardiac studies cost more.
What CPT codes are used for ultrasound?
76700 is a complete abdominal ultrasound, 76856 a complete pelvic ultrasound, and 76705 a limited abdominal ultrasound. The code on your bill determines the expected price.
Why is my ultrasound bill higher than the cash price?
Hospital billing adds facility and radiologist interpretation fees at rack rates. The same study at an imaging center is typically half the hospital price.
Can I negotiate an ultrasound bill?
Yes — ask for the cash price, compare imaging centers, and get an itemized bill to verify the study type and interpretation fees.