Imaging
Bone density scan (DXA), peripheral site (wrist, heel), with interpretation cost in California
Bone density scan (DXA), peripheral site (wrist, heel), with interpretation 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 California
From 210 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $225 (most listed prices $86.04–$768).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: Offices and imaging centers usually bill and quote the global code without modifiers. Central (hip/spine) DXA is 77080 or 77085 and is a different bundle.
Cheapest in California
Total price
Bone density scan (DXA), peripheral site (wrist, heel), with interpretation
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 California, from 210 providers. Most listed prices: $96.81–$541.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Adventist Health Medical Center Tehachapi$36.39Hospital · TehachapiEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $37.50
- $38.78
- University of Michigan Health-Sparrow St. LawrenceBone density scan (DXA), wrist, heel or other peripheral siteRead only$9.50Source: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow St. Lawrence price fil · checked Oct 2026
- $19.32Source: Mark Twain Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
- Adventist Health Medical Center TehachapiBone density scan (DXA), wrist, heel or other peripheral siteScan only$9.99est. $36.39 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Medical Center Tehachapi price file · checked Oct 2026 - $11.10est. $37.50 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Willits Hospital Inc price file · checked Oct 2026 - $12.38est. $38.78 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Orchard Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Kaweah Delta Health Care DistrictBone density scan (DXA), wrist, heel or other peripheral siteScan only$18est. $44.40 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Kaweah Delta Health Care District price file · checked Oct 2026 - Kaweah Health Mental Health HospitalBone density scan (DXA), wrist, heel or other peripheral siteScan only$18est. $44.40 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Kaweah Health Mental Health Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Adventist Health Mendocino CoastBone density scan (DXA), wrist, heel or other peripheral siteScan only$24.42est. $50.82 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Mendocino Coast price file · checked Oct 2026 - $25est. $51.40 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Delano price file · checked Oct 2026 - $26.40est. $52.80 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: San Joaquin General Hospital price file · checked Sep 2026 - St. Joseph's Medical Center StocktonBone density scan (DXA), wrist, heel or other peripheral siteScan only$55.28
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: St. Joseph's Medical Center Stockton price file · checked Oct 2026 - $55.40
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Eisenhower Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for Bone density scan (DXA), peripheral site (wrist, heel), with interpretation
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.