Nuclear Medicine
Lung ventilation and perfusion scan (V/Q) cost in California
Lung ventilation and perfusion scan (V/Q) 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 278 hospital and 0 clinic prices in California.
Nationwide typical: $1,572 (most listed prices $600–$3,936).
Usually included: the scan itself (technical fee) + the radiologist's read (professional fee).
Good to know: Mostly performed in hospitals for suspected pulmonary embolism. Quantitative differential function (78597/78598) is a different service.
Cheapest in California
Total price
Lung ventilation and perfusion scan (V/Q)
The facility fee + the doctor's fee
How totals are compared
Every total covers the same bundle: the facility fee + the doctor's fee. Where a hospital does not publish a part, the typical published amount is added and the total is marked estimated.
In California, from 278 providers. Most listed prices: $794–$4,638.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Kaweah Delta Health Care District$197Hospital · VisaliaEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Kaweah Health Mental Health Hospital$197Hospital · VisaliaEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Adventist Health Mendocino Coast$228Hospital · Fort BraggEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- University of Michigan Health-Sparrow St. LawrenceLung ventilation and perfusion scan (V/Q scan)Read only$49Source: University of Michigan Health-Sparrow St. Lawrence price fil · checked Oct 2026
- $97est. $197 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Kaweah Delta Health Care District price file · checked Oct 2026 - $97est. $197 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Kaweah Health Mental Health Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $128est. $228 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Mendocino Coast price file · checked Oct 2026 - $163est. $263 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Natividad Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $169est. $269 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Adventist Health Delano price file · checked Oct 2026 - $197est. $297 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Twin Cities Community Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026 - $327
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista price file · checked Oct 2026 - $327
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego price file · checked Oct 2026 - $346
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Eisenhower Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $347
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Contra Costa Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $253est. $353 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Sierra Vista Hospital, Inc. price file · checked Oct 2026
See all prices for Lung ventilation and perfusion scan (V/Q)
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.