Lab tests
COVID-19 rapid antigen test with optical reader cost in California
COVID-19 rapid antigen test with optical reader 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 California
From 141 hospital and 1 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $56.70 (most listed prices $22–$133).
Cheapest in California
- Lodi Memorial Hospital Association IncCOVID-19 rapid antigen test with optical readerFacility fee only$2.90
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Lodi Memorial Hospital Association Inc price file · checked Oct 2026 - Simi Valley Hospital and Health Care ServicesCOVID-19 rapid antigen test with optical readerFacility fee only$7.52
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Simi Valley Hospital and Health Care Services price file · checked Oct 2026 - $10.80
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Glendale Adventist Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $12.45
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: St Helena Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $13.80
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Delano price file · checked Oct 2026 - $15
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $18.48
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Rideout Memorial Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - Adventist Health Medical Center TehachapiCOVID-19 rapid antigen test with optical readerFacility fee only$20.79
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Medical Center Tehachapi price file · checked Oct 2026 - $22.05
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Enloe Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $23.04
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: White Memorial Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $23.75
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Tulare price file · checked Oct 2026 - $24.86
Doctor fees are billed separately.
Source: Mercy General Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for COVID-19 rapid antigen test with optical reader
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.