Lab tests
COVID-19 PCR test cost in Iowa
COVID-19 PCR test 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 Iowa
From 94 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Iowa.
Nationwide typical: $99 (most listed prices $37.50–$206).
Cheapest in Iowa
- $15
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: MercyOne Genesis Davenport West Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $17.40
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: MercyOne Genesis Davenport Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $17.40
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: MercyOne Genesis DeWitt Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $34.45
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Shenandoah Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $35.70
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Methodist Jennie Edmundson price file · checked Oct 2026 - $40.50
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Spencer Municipal Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $41.18
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Manning Regional Healthcare Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $51.20
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Kossuth Regional Health Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $60.60
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Mercy Medical Center Cedar Rapids, IA price file · checked Oct 2026 - $65
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: St Anthony Regional Hospital and Nursing Home price file · checked Oct 2026 - $66
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Knoxville Hospital and Clinics price file · checked Oct 2026 - $66.40
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Floyd County Medical Center 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.