Imaging
Barium swallow (esophagram), single contrast cost in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin
From 99 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Wisconsin.
Nationwide typical: $473 (most listed prices $203–$1,236).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Cheapest in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin, from 99 providers. Most listed prices: $273–$776.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Ascension NE Wisconsin - Mercy Campus (Ascension NE Wisconsin, Inc.)$171Hospital · OshkoshEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Ascension NE Wisconsin - St. Elizabeth Campus (Ascension NE Wisconsin, Inc.)$171Hospital · AppletonEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $204
- $68.62
- $159
+12 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Ascension NE Wisconsin - Mercy Campus (Ascension NE Wisconsin, Inc.)Esophagus X-ray with single contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$119est. $171 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Ascension NE Wisconsin - Mercy Campus (Ascension N price fil · checked Oct 2026 - Ascension NE Wisconsin - St. Elizabeth Campus (Ascension NE Wisconsin, Inc.)Esophagus X-ray with single contrast (barium swallow)Scan only$119est. $171 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Ascension NE Wisconsin - St. Elizabeth Campus (Asc price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $194
+1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Mayo Clinic Health System Barron price file · checked Oct 2026 - $194
+1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Mayo Clinic Health System Bloomer price file · checked Oct 2026 - $194
+1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Mayo Clinic Health System Menomonie price file · checked Oct 2026 - $194
+1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Mayo Clinic Health System Osseo price file · checked Oct 2026 - $194Source: Mayo Clinic Health System Eau Claire price file · checked Oct 2026
- $199
+1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Mayo Clinic Health System Sparta price file · checked Oct 2026 - Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan Healthcare La CrosseEsophagus X-ray with single contrast (barium swallow)Read only$199Source: Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan Healthcare La price fil · checked Oct 2026
- $152est. $204 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Tomah Memorial 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.