Imaging
Chest x-ray (2 views) cost in San Diego, CA
Chest x-ray (2 views) 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 320 hospital and 3 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $241 (most listed prices $83.69–$663).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: Single view is 71045, which is not equivalent.
Cheapest in San Diego, CA
Total price
Chest x-ray (2 views)
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.
Near San Diego, CA, from 18 providers. Most listed prices: $235–$556.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Paradise Valley Hospital$134Hospital · National City · 9.4 miEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego$163Hospital · San Diego · 1.4 miEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Scripps Green Hospital$267Hospital · La Jolla · 8.4 miEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $111est. $134 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $140est. $163 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego price file · checked Oct 2026 - $244est. $267 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Green Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $244est. $267 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas price file · checked Oct 2026 - $244est. $267 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla price file · checked Oct 2026 - $244est. $267 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista price file · checked Oct 2026 - $244est. $267 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego price file · checked Oct 2026 - $320est. $343 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. +1 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: Palomar Medical Center Escondido price file · checked Oct 2026 - $385est. $408 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. +2 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: San Diego Clairemont Mesa Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $425
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: UC San Diego Health 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.