Imaging
Barium swallow (esophagram), double contrast cost in North Carolina
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 North Carolina
From 71 hospital and 0 clinic prices in North Carolina.
Nationwide typical: $541 (most listed prices $227–$1,179).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Cheapest in North Carolina
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 North Carolina, from 71 providers. Most listed prices: $288–$697.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Iredell Memorial Hospital$247Hospital · StatesvilleEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $267
- $267
- $185est. $247 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Iredell Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $251
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: CarolinaEast Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $254
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $261
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Alamance Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $261
The radiologist read is billed separately. +3 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Annie Penn Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $263
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $206est. $267 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: UNC Health Wayne price file · checked Sep 2026 - $206est. $267 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Wayne Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $273
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Sentara Albemarle Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $214est. $275 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $214est. $276 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: The Outer Banks Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $288
The radiologist read is billed separately.
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.