X-rays are one of the most commonly used tools in medicine, as they provide a proper look into what’s happening inside your body without any invasive procedures.
If you’ve recently taken a nasty fall, experienced persistent chest pain, or have dental concerns, an X-ray is often the first step toward a diagnosis.
But beyond knowing when and why you might need one, it’s also important to understand the financial side of things. So, how much does an X-ray cost?
Let’s break it all down.
What is an X-ray?
An X-ray is a quick and painless imaging test that uses small amounts of radiation to create pictures of the inside of your body—and it’s one of the oldest and most frequently used forms of medical imaging.
X-rays can help doctors diagnose, monitor, and treat many medical conditions by providing clear images of your bones, teeth, chest, and other internal structures.
When Do You Need an X-ray?
You might need an X-ray if:
- You’ve experienced an injury, and your doctor suspects a broken bone
- You’re experiencing chest pain or difficulty breathing
- You have dental issues that require examination below the gum line
- Your doctor wants to check for arthritis or other joint problems
- There’s a need to locate an ingested object
- Your healthcare provider wants to screen for certain types of cancer
- You’re undergoing treatment for a condition that requires monitoring, such as pneumonia or heart failure
How Does an X-ray Work?
An X-ray works by sending a small amount of radiation through your body to create images.
Different parts of your body absorb this radiation in various ways: bones and metal implants show up as white because they’re dense, muscles and organs appear in shades of gray, and areas filled with air, like your lungs, look black.
This then creates a two-dimensional picture that helps doctors spot any issues, injuries, or signs of disease inside your body.
How Much Does an X-ray Cost?
With Insurance
If you have health insurance, the cost of an X-ray is typically partially or fully covered. However, you may still be responsible for:
- Copayments: A fixed amount you pay for the service, usually between $10 and $50
- Coinsurance: A percentage of the total cost, often around 20%
- Deductible: The amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance begins to cover costs
Without Insurance
Without insurance, the full cost of an X-ray falls on you. But on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more for an X-ray without insurance.
Costs Of X-ray In Terms Of Body Parts
The cost of an X-ray also varies depending on the body part being examined. Here’s an overview of average costs for X-rays of different body parts:
| Body Part | Average Cost |
| Chest | $370 |
| Finger | $100 |
| Hand | $180 |
| Knee | $200 |
| Pelvis | $350 |
| Thigh | $280 |
| Wrist | $190 |
| Full body | $1,100 |
How to Prepare for an X-ray
Preparing for an X-ray is typically straightforward:
- Inform your doctor of any medications you’re taking and any recent illnesses or medical conditions
- Let your healthcare provider know if you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant
- Remove any jewelry or metal objects from the area being X-rayed
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that’s easy to remove if necessary
- Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider, such as fasting before certain types of X-rays
What to Expect During an X-ray
Getting an X-ray is generally fast and painless, and the whole thing usually takes just a few minutes. Here’s what you can expect:
- You’ll either lie down on an X-ray table or stand against a flat surface.
- The technologist will adjust the X-ray machine to focus on the specific area that needs to be examined.
- You’ll need to stay still, and you might be asked to hold your breath for a moment to keep the image clear.
- The technologist will step behind a shield and activate the machine.
- You might hear a quick buzzing or clicking sound when the image is taken.
- Sometimes, the process will be repeated to get different angles or views.
How Long Does X-ray Radiation Stay in the Body?
X-ray radiation doesn’t stick around in your body after the scan. The exposure happens in a flash—just a fraction of a second—and once the X-ray is done, there’s no leftover radiation in your system.
The amount of radiation you’re exposed to during a standard X-ray is very small and isn’t usually harmful for most people.
That said, it’s still good to keep track of how often you get X-rays, especially if you need them regularly. Your doctor will always weigh the benefits against any potential risks to make sure each X-ray is necessary and safe.
Can X-rays detect Tumors?
X-rays are great for looking at bones and can spot some lung issues, but they’re not usually the go-to for finding most tumors. They might show larger tumors or ones that involve bones, but they’re not very good at telling the difference between healthy and cancerous soft tissues.
For a more thorough look at tumors, doctors often turn to other imaging methods like CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and ultrasounds. These techniques offer much more detailed images of soft tissues, making them better for identifying and understanding tumors.
Affordable Healthcare Solutions with Craft Concierge
If you are concerned about the potential costs of X-rays and other medical services, there are alternative healthcare solutions available. Craft Concierge offers membership care packages that include X-rays as part of their services.
Craft Concierge goes beyond traditional primary care with two membership options:
- Primary Concierge Membership ($150 per month):
- Unlimited direct primary care appointments and acute visits
- 24/7 access to virtual care team
- Annual core labs
- Advanced diagnostic imaging, X-ray and medication available on-site
- Minor procedures
- Chronic disease management
- Specialty care coordination
- Comprehensive Concierge Membership ($350 per month): Includes all Primary Concierge Membership benefits, plus:
- Advanced preventative scanning
- Cardiovascular Program
- Early Cancer Detection
- Lifestyle Optimization Program
These membership options provide an affordable healthcare solution with a flat monthly fee, allowing doctors to offer you personalized and thorough care, including X-ray services when needed.
Contact Craft Concierge today to learn more about how you can take advantage of these comprehensive healthcare options and ensure your health is in good hands.