Imaging
Barium swallow (esophagram), single contrast cost in Ohio
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 Ohio
From 156 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Ohio.
Nationwide typical: $473 (most listed prices $203–$1,236).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Cheapest in Ohio
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 Ohio, from 156 providers. Most listed prices: $292–$851.
Cheapest totals nearby
- MetroHealth System Main Campus$92Hospital · ClevelandEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Wyandot Memorial Hospital$172Hospital · Upper SanduskyEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $209
- Children's Hospital Medical Center_BurnetEsophagus X-ray with single contrast (barium swallow)Read only$73.95Source: Children's Hospital Medical Center_Burnet price file · checked Oct 2026
- $79.20Source: Nationwide Children's Hospital Toledo price file · checked Oct 2026
- $39.20est. $92 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: MetroHealth System Main Campus price file · checked Oct 2026 - $129Source: Nationwide Children's Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- $119est. $172 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Wyandot Memorial Hospital price file · checked Nov 2026 - The Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio, a Joint Venture between Premier Health and Encompass HealthEsophagus X-ray with single contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$203
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: The Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio, a Joint Vent price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $156est. $209 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: akron general price file · checked Oct 2026 - $156est. $209 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: cleveland clinic main campus price file · checked Oct 2026 - $156est. $209 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: mercy hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - King's Daughters Medical Center - OhioEsophagus X-ray with single contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$213
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: King's Daughters Medical Center - Ohio price file · checked Oct 2026 - $165est. $217 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Firelands Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $165est. $218 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
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.