Imaging - Ultrasound
Chest ultrasound cost in North Carolina
Chest ultrasound 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 North Carolina
From 119 hospital and 0 clinic prices in North Carolina.
Nationwide typical: $423 (most listed prices $163–$1,081).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: Imaging centers usually quote all-in. Hospitals bill the read separately. Ultrasound guidance for thoracentesis is included in 32554/32555, so this is not that bundle.
Cheapest in North Carolina
Total price
Chest ultrasound
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 North Carolina, from 119 providers. Most listed prices: $213–$947.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital$119Hospital · MurphyEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital$137Hospital · TarboroEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $142
- $58.80est. $119 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $77.28est. $137 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $81.60est. $142 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Granville Health System price file · checked Oct 2026 - $107est. $167 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Novant Health Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliat price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $167
The radiologist read is billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Duke Raleigh Hospital a Campus of Duke University price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $170
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Carteret Health Care price file · checked Oct 2026 - $171
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Novant Health Pender Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $111est. $171 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: ECU Health Bertie Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $174
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: CarolinaEast Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $117est. $177 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Alleghany Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $180
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $126est. $186 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Mission Hospital 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.