Nuclear Medicine
Lung ventilation and perfusion scan (V/Q) cost in Iowa
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 Iowa
From 76 hospital and 0 clinic prices in Iowa.
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 Iowa
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 Iowa, from 76 providers. Most listed prices: $804–$2,300.
Cheapest totals nearby
- Iowa Specialty Hospital Belmond$185Hospital · BelmondEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- Iowa Specialty Hospital Clarion$185Hospital · ClarionEstimated: adds a typical amount for unpublished parts
- $218
- $92.80Source: UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital price file · checked Oct 2026
- $92.80Source: UnityPoint Health - Marshalltown price file · checked Oct 2026
- $85.20est. $185 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Iowa Specialty Hospital Belmond price file · checked Oct 2026 - $85.20est. $185 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Iowa Specialty Hospital Clarion price file · checked Oct 2026 - $118est. $218 total
The radiologist read is billed separately. Location not independently confirmed.
Source: Mahaska Health price file · checked Oct 2026 - $129est. $229 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Winneshiek price file · checked Oct 2026 - $291est. $391 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $379est. $479 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $683est. $783 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Greene County Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $785
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: Buena Vista Regional Medical Center price file · checked Oct 2026 - $694est. $794 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
- $714est. $814 total
The radiologist read is billed separately.
Source: CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs 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.