Imaging
Bone density scan (DEXA), hips/spine cost in Iowa
Bone density scan (DEXA), hips/spine 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 Iowa
From 96 hospital and 5 clinic prices in Iowa.
Nationwide typical: $391 (most listed prices $125–$842).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: With vertebral fracture assessment it is 77085, which is not equivalent.
Cheapest in Iowa
Total price
Bone density scan (DEXA), hips/spine
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 Iowa, from 98 providers. Most listed prices: $91.50–$584.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $46.80
- $49.95
- Orange City Area Health System$50.20Hospital · Orange CityEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $27Source: MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
- $19.80est. $46.80 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $22.95est. $49.95 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Mahaska Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $23.20est. $50.20 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Orange City Area Health System price file · checked Oct 2026 - $32.40est. $59.40 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Iowa Specialty Hospital Belmond price file · checked Oct 2026 - $32.40est. $59.40 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Iowa Specialty Hospital Clarion price file · checked Oct 2026 - $33est. $60 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $65.10
+1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $40.32est. $67.32 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: CHI Health Mercy Corning price file · checked Oct 2026 - $41.16est. $68.16 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: CHI Health Missouri Valley price file · checked Oct 2026 - $43est. $70 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Floyd Valley Healthcare price file · checked Oct 2026 - $58.20est. $85.20 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Sioux Center Health Avera price file · checked Oct 2026
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.