Imaging
Barium swallow (esophagram), single contrast cost in Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania
From 150 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Pennsylvania.
Nationwide typical: $473 (most listed prices $203–$1,236).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Cheapest in Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania, from 150 providers. Most listed prices: $241–$1,092.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Penn Highlands Mon Valley$75Hospital · MonongahelaEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $82.20
- $163
- $32.84Source: Jefferson Abington Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- $48Source: UPMC Kane price file · checked Oct 2026
- $22.20est. $75 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Penn Highlands Mon Valley price file · checked Oct 2026 - $29.40est. $82.20 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Meadville Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $86Source: Warren General Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- $110est. $163 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Heritage Valley Beaver price file · checked Oct 2026 - $110est. $163 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Heritage Valley Sewickley price file · checked Oct 2026 - $181
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- Rothman Orthopaedic Specialty HospitalEsophagus X-ray with single contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$185
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Rothman Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $186
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: UPMC Bedford price file · checked Oct 2026 - Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Nittany ValleyEsophagus X-ray with single contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$135est. $188 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Nittan price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $188
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.