Imaging
Contrast injection for tear duct x-ray cost in California
Contrast injection for tear duct x-ray 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 33 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $268 (most listed prices $66.96–$1,776).
Cheapest in California
- $61.86
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Valley Presbyterian Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $143
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Loma Linda University Children's Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $165
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Loma Linda University Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $165
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Loma Linda University Medical Center Murrieta price file · checked Oct 2026 - $178
The radiologist read is billed separately. +19 more in this system at the same published price. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Antioch Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $656
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Cedars-Sinai Marina Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $670
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: UC San Diego Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,197
The radiologist read is billed separately. +3 more in this system at the same published price.
Source: MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $1,730
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Huntington Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital at StanfordContrast injection for tear duct x-rayScan only$2,996
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital at Stanf price fil · checked Oct 2026 - $3,965
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center 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.