Imaging
Barium swallow (esophagram), double contrast cost in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts
From 36 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Massachusetts.
Nationwide typical: $541 (most listed prices $227–$1,179).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Cheapest in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts, from 36 providers. Most listed prices: $342–$855.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $126
- $126
- $130
- $111Source: Mercy Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- $64.26est. $126 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Athol Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $64.26est. $126 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Heywood Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $68.80est. $130 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Holyoke Medical Center price file · checked Nov 2026 - $251est. $313 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: South Shore Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $310est. $371 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Cape Cod Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $310est. $371 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Falmouth Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $338est. $399 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Charlton Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $338est. $399 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: St. Luke's Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $338est. $399 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Tobey Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $462
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Lowell General Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $401est. $463 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Boston Medical Center 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.