Imaging
Barium swallow (esophagram), double contrast cost in Colorado
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 Colorado
From 50 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Colorado.
Nationwide typical: $541 (most listed prices $227–$1,179).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Cheapest in Colorado
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 Colorado, from 50 providers. Most listed prices: $363–$2,375.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $147
- Delta County Memorial Hospital$171Hospital · DeltaEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $226
- $85.50est. $147 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Montrose Regional Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $109est. $171 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Delta County Memorial Hospital price file · checked Nov 2026 - $164est. $226 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Denver Health Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $301est. $363 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. +4 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: AdventHealth Avista price file · checked Oct 2026 - $414est. $476 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: St. Thomas More Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $485
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Mercy Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $499
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $449est. $511 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: St. Anthony Summit Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - HCA Healthone Presbyterian St. Luke's Rehabilitation, A Part of Spalding RehabilitationEsophagus X-ray, double contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$512
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: HCA Healthone Presbyterian St. Luke's Rehabilitati price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $512
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: HCA Healthone Spalding Rehabilitation price file · checked Sep 2026 - $461est. $523 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central price file · checked Oct 2026 - $582
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: UCHealth Broomfield Hospital 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.