Imaging
Barium swallow (esophagram), single contrast cost in Missouri
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 Missouri
From 104 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Missouri.
Nationwide typical: $473 (most listed prices $203–$1,236).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Cheapest in Missouri
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 Missouri, from 104 providers. Most listed prices: $170–$779.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $78.22
- Iron County Hospital District Doing Business As: Iron County Medical Center$88.80Hospital · Pilot KnobEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Ste Genevieve County Memorial Hospital$88.80Hospital · Sainte GenevieveEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $43.50Source: Mercy Pediatrics - Carthage price file · checked Oct 2026
- $43.50Source: Mercy Women's Health - Carthage price file · checked Oct 2026
- $25.42est. $78.22 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Cox Barton County Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Iron County Hospital District Doing Business As: Iron County Medical CenterEsophagus X-ray with single contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$36est. $88.80 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Iron County Hospital District Doing Business As: I price fil · checked Oct 2026 - Ste Genevieve County Memorial HospitalEsophagus X-ray with single contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$36est. $88.80 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Ste Genevieve County Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Children's Mercy Kansas City Adele Hall CampusEsophagus X-ray with single contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$41.28est. $94.08 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Children's Mercy Kansas City Adele Hall Campus price file · checked Oct 2026 - $53.89est. $107 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Golden Valley Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $58.24est. $111 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Bates County Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $59.86est. $113 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: John Fitzgibbon Memorial Hospital LLC price file · checked Oct 2026 - $67.50est. $120 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Carroll County Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $84.80est. $138 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Citizens Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $85.15est. $138 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Mercy Hospital Perry 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.