Lab tests
COVID-19 PCR test, high-throughput lab cost in Massachusetts
COVID-19 PCR test, high-throughput lab is a lab test. Many labs sell tests directly to the public for a flat cash price, often far below hospital prices.
Typical cash price
In Massachusetts
From 18 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Massachusetts.
Nationwide typical: $109 (most listed prices $52.50–$256).
Cheapest in Massachusetts
- $94.50
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Tufts Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $113
Doctor fees are billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute price file · checked Oct 2026 - $113
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $113
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Cooley Dickinson Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $113
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Martha's Vineyard Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $113
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Massachusetts General Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $113
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Newton Wellesley Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $133
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Baystate Franklin Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $134
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Baystate Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $134
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Baystate Noble Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $134
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Baystate Wing Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $166
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Lowell General Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
Common questions
Do I need a doctor's order?
In most states, direct-to-consumer labs can sell many tests without a separate doctor visit. Some states and some tests still require an order.
Is the blood draw included?
Usually yes for lab stores and booking sites. Hospitals sometimes bill the draw (venipuncture) separately.
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.