Imaging
Barium swallow (esophagram), double contrast cost in Washington
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 Washington
From 37 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Washington.
Nationwide typical: $541 (most listed prices $227–$1,179).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Cheapest in Washington
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 Washington, from 37 providers. Most listed prices: $267–$993.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Jefferson County Public Hospital District No 2$143Hospital · Port TownsendEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Grant County Public Hospital District 1 dba Samaritan$231Hospital · Moses LakeEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $261
- Jefferson County Public Hospital District No 2Esophagus X-ray, double contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$81.60est. $143 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Jefferson County Public Hospital District No 2 price file · checked Oct 2026 - Grant County Public Hospital District 1 dba SamaritanEsophagus X-ray, double contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$169est. $231 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Grant County Public Hospital District 1 dba Samari price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $199est. $261 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: TriState Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $205est. $267 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Swedish Issaquah price file · checked Oct 2026 - Swedish Medical Center - First Hill CampusEsophagus X-ray, double contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$205est. $267 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Swedish Medical Center - First Hill Campus price file · checked Oct 2026 - $205est. $267 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Swedish Medical Center Cherry Hill price file · checked Oct 2026 - $228est. $290 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $262est. $323 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Overlake Hospital Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - Providence Regional Medical Center Everett - Colby CampusEsophagus X-ray, double contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$298est. $360 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Providence Regional Medical Center Everett - Colby price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $303est. $365 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Virginia Mason Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $434
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Providence Mount Carmel Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Skagit Regional Health - Skagit Valley HospitalEsophagus X-ray, double contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$440
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Skagit Regional Health - Skagit Valley 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.