ClearProviders
Menu

Lab tests

COVID-19 test specimen collection cost in Louisiana

COVID-19 test specimen collection 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 Louisiana

$20Typical
$12.58 – $35.60Most listed prices

From 7 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Louisiana.

Nationwide typical: $24.02 (most listed prices $6.90–$70).

Cheapest in Louisiana

  1. Hardtner Medical Center
    Hospital · Olla, LA
    COVID-19 test specimen collection
    Facility fee only
    $10

    Doctor fees are billed separately.

    Source: Hardtner Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
  2. Ochsner Medical Center - (This file encompasses multiple facilities, including OMC – Jeff Hwy, OMC – Baptist, OMC – Clearview, Ochsner Hospital for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, and OMC – West Bank Campus)
    Hospital · New Orleans, LA
    COVID-19 test specimen collection
    Facility fee only
    $14.30

    Doctor fees are billed separately.

    Source: Ochsner Medical Center - (This file encompasses mu price fil · checked Oct 2026
  3. Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge
    Hospital · Baton Rouge, LA
    COVID-19 test specimen collection
    Facility fee only
    $19.84

    Doctor fees are billed separately.

    Source: Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge price file · checked Oct 2026
  4. Our Lady of the Lake Assumption Community Hospital
    Hospital · Napoleonville, LA
    COVID-19 test specimen collection
    Facility fee only
    $20

    Doctor fees are billed separately.

    Source: Our Lady of the Lake Assumption Community Hospital price fil · checked Oct 2026
  5. St. Francis Medical Center
    Hospital · Monroe, LA
    COVID-19 test specimen collection
    Facility fee only
    $28

    Doctor fees are billed separately.

    Source: St. Francis Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026
  6. Our Lady of the Lake Health
    Hospital · Baton Rouge, LA
    COVID-19 test specimen collection
    Facility fee only
    $33

    Doctor fees are billed separately.

    Source: Our Lady of the Lake Health price file · checked Oct 2026
  7. fmolhs.org
    Hospital
    COVID-19 test specimen collection
    Facility fee only
    $39.50

    Doctor fees are billed separately.

    Source: fmolhs.org price file · checked Oct 2026

See all prices for COVID-19 test specimen collection

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.