Imaging
Barium swallow (esophagram), single contrast cost in Kansas
Barium swallow (esophagram), single 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 Kansas
From 77 hospital and 2 clinic prices in Kansas.
Nationwide typical: $473 (most listed prices $203–$1,236).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Cheapest in Kansas
Total price
Barium swallow (esophagram), single 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 Kansas, from 78 providers. Most listed prices: $153–$861.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $77.80
- Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas$94.08Hospital · Overland ParkEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Clay County Medical Center$102Hospital · Clay CenterEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $35Source: Pratt Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
- $44.40Source: Southwest Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
- $25est. $77.80 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Kingman Healthcare Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $41.28est. $94.08 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas price file · checked Oct 2026 - $48.91est. $102 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Clay County Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - South Central Kansas Regional Medical CenterEsophagus X-ray with single contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$49est. $102 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: South Central Kansas Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $50est. $103 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- Diagnostic Imaging CentersEsophagram (barium swallow) (code 74220) · Esophagram (barium swallow)All-in$152
Self-pay patients only; payment in full at time of service required. Includes reading and technical fees. Multiple exams may be charged per CPT code. Prices subject to change.
Source: dic-kc.com · checked Oct 2026 - Diagnostic Imaging CentersEsophagram (barium swallow) (code 74220) · Esophagram (barium swallow)All-in$202
Exam charge; includes reading and technical fees. Multiple exams may be charged per CPT code. Insured responsibility varies by benefits. Prices subject to change.
Source: dic-kc.com · checked Oct 2026 - The University of Kansas Health System Olathe HospitalEsophagus X-ray with single contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$100est. $153 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: The University of Kansas Health System Olathe Hosp price fil · checked Oct 2026 - The University of Kansas Health System Paola HospitalEsophagus X-ray with single contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$100est. $153 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: The University of Kansas Health System Paola Hospi price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $100est. $153 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: University of Kansas Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for Barium swallow (esophagram), single 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.