Imaging
Barium swallow (esophagram), double contrast cost in California
Barium swallow (esophagram), double contrast is an imaging test. Cash prices for imaging vary widely: hospitals often charge several times what an independent imaging center charges for the same scan.
Typical cash price
In California
From 187 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $541 (most listed prices $227–$1,179).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Cheapest in California
Total price
Barium swallow (esophagram), double contrast
The scan + the radiologist's read
How totals are compared
Every total covers the same bundle: the scan + the radiologist's read. Where a hospital does not publish a part, the typical published amount is added and the total is marked estimated.
In California, from 187 providers. Most listed prices: $218–$1,287.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $86.30
- $86.30
- $86.30
- $24.70est. $86.30 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Tulare price file · checked Oct 2026 - $24.70est. $86.30 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Hanford Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $24.70est. $86.30 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Reedley Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $26est. $87.60 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Ukiah Adventist Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $35.10est. $96.70 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Medical Center Tehachapi price file · checked Oct 2026 - $39est. $101 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Willits Hospital Inc price file · checked Oct 2026 - $122
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Green Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $122
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas price file · checked Oct 2026 - $122
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla price file · checked Oct 2026 - $122
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista price file · checked Oct 2026 - $122
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego price file · checked Oct 2026 - $70.56est. $132 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: St. Joseph's Medical Center Stockton price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for Barium swallow (esophagram), double contrast
Common questions
Is the radiologist's read included?
Not always. Hospitals usually list the scan (technical fee) and the radiologist's read (professional fee) separately. Many imaging centers quote one all-in price. Look for the "All-in", "Scan only" or "Read only" label on each price.
Do I need a referral?
Most imaging tests need an order from a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Some imaging centers can arrange one; ask when you call.
Why are prices so different?
Each hospital and clinic sets its own cash price. Hospitals publish prices because federal rules require it; clinics and booking sites set prices to compete. The same service can cost several times more at one place than at another nearby.
Can I pay cash if I have insurance?
Yes. You can choose to self-pay. A cash price is often lower than what you would pay before meeting your deductible. Cash payments may not count toward your deductible, so check with your plan. Our cash vs. insurance tool can help you decide.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
If you are uninsured or paying cash, providers must give you a Good Faith Estimate of the cost on request. If your final bill is $400 or more above the estimate, you can dispute it.