Imaging - Ultrasound
Chest ultrasound cost in Virginia
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 Virginia
From 90 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Virginia.
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 Virginia
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 Virginia, from 90 providers. Most listed prices: $162–$1,672.
Cheapest totals nearby
- $78.48
- $78.48
- Lynchburg General Hospital$78.48Hospital · LynchburgEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $54.25Source: Buchanan General Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- $18.48est. $78.48 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. +4 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Bedford Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $102Source: Bath Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- $108
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $114
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northe price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $114
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Peters price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $115
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: VCU Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $120
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Freder price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $146
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Richmo price fil · checked Oct 2026 - Rehabilitation Hospital of Bristol, a joint venture of Ballad Health and Encompass HealthChest ultrasoundScan only$146
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Rehabilitation Hospital of Bristol, a joint ventur price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $146
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: UVA Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $99.82est. $160 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Dickenson Community 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.