Chest X-ray Cost in Houston, TX

This page displays published hospital pricing data for chest X-ray services with two views across metro area facilities, sourced from CMS-mandated transparency files that hospitals must publish annually. The facility fee encompasses hospital equipment usage, radiology technologist services, and imaging room costs. The billing analysis focuses on HCPCS code 71046, which represents the professional and technical components for two-view chest imaging services.

Data last updated: 2026-02-28

Scope note: These are hospital facility fees only. Standalone imaging centers (not hospitals) often charge significantly less for outpatient imaging but are not covered by the CMS Hospital Price Transparency Rule, so they are not included in this data. We currently track only hospital-published prices.

Chest X-ray, 2 Views (HCPCS 71046)

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Hospital	Gross Charge	Cash Price	Low Insured	High Insured
Baylor St Luke's Medical	$1,635	$572.25	$33.75	$1,635	Schedule →
Harris Health	$365	$84.49	N/A	N/A	Schedule →
HCA Clear Lake *	$2,021.67	$2,021.67 *	$34.42	$34.42	Schedule →
HCA Conroe *	$1,028.12	$1,028.12 *	$61.69	$945.87	Schedule →
HCA Kingwood *	$2,201.87	$2,201.87 *	$132.11	$1,981.68	Schedule →
HCA Mainland *	$2,021.67	$2,021.67 *	$121.3	$1,819.5	Schedule →
HCA Medical Center *	$1,169.97	$1,169.97 *	$70.2	$623.59	Schedule →
HCA North Cypress *	$1,871.56	$1,871.56 *	$112.29	$997.54	Schedule →
HCA Northwest *	$2,372.29	$2,372.29 *	$142.34	$1,264.43	Schedule →
HCA Pearland *	$1,705.91	$1,705.91 *	$102.35	$909.25	Schedule →
HCA Southeast *	$2,199.31	$2,199.31 *	$131.96	$1,979.38	Schedule →
HCA Tomball *	$2,018	$2,018 *	$34.42	$34.42	Schedule →
HCA West *	$2,728	$2,728 *	$163.68	$2,455.2	Schedule →
Houston Methodist	$1,250	$625	$87.42	$349.69	Schedule →
MH Cypress	$1,216.5	$389.28	$87.42	$166.1	Schedule →
MH Greater Heights	$1,216.5	$389.28	$87.42	$166.1	Schedule →
MH Katy	$1,216.5	$389.28	$87.42	$166.1	Schedule →
MH Memorial City	$1,216.5	$389.28	$87.42	$166.1	Schedule →
MH Northeast	$1,216.5	$389.28	$87.42	$166.1	Schedule →
MH Pearland	$1,216.5	$389.28	$87.42	$166.1	Schedule →
MH Southeast	$1,216.5	$389.28	$87.42	$166.1	Schedule →
MH Southwest	$1,216.5	$389.28	$87.42	$166.1	Schedule →
MH Sugar Land	$1,216.5	$389.28	$87.42	$166.1	Schedule →
Memorial Hermann TMC	$1,216.5	$389.28	$87.42	$166.1	Schedule →
MH Woodlands	$1,216.5	$389.28	$87.42	$166.1	Schedule →
St Luke's Brazosport	$1,528	$534.8	$30.18	$1,228.52	Schedule →
St Luke's Lakeside	$1,635	$572.25	$33.75	$1,635	Schedule →
St Luke's Patients Medica	$1,571	$549.85	$32.06	$1,178.25	Schedule →
St Luke's Springwoods Vil	$1,635	$572.25	$33.75	$1,635	Schedule →
St Luke's Sugar Land	$1,635	$572.25	$33.75	$1,635	Schedule →
St Luke's The Vintage	$1,635	$572.25	$33.75	$1,635	Schedule →
St Luke's The Woodlands	$1,635	$572.25	$33.75	$1,635	Schedule →
Texas Children's	$540	$361.8	$33.75	$513	Schedule →

* Hospitals marked with * publish cash prices equal to their gross charges, meaning no separate self-pay discount appears in their transparency file. The insured rates shown are negotiated rates between the hospital and specific insurance plans. Uninsured patients may be able to negotiate lower rates by contacting the hospital directly.

What These Prices Mean

Understanding the price columns: The gross charge represents the hospital's list price before any discounts. Cash prices show significant reductions from gross charges, with Memorial Hermann facilities offering the steepest discount at 68% off their $1,216.50 gross charge, resulting in a $389.28 cash price. HCA facilities show no discount between gross and cash prices, with their cash prices ranging from $1,028.12 to $2,728. The insured range reflects negotiated rates with different insurance plans. Patients on high-deductible plans who have not met their deductible will owe the negotiated rate, which varies significantly by insurer and hospital. Code coverage: HCPCS code 71046 specifically covers a complete chest X-ray examination with two views, which provides more comprehensive imaging than a single-view chest X-ray. The two-view approach allows radiologists to better visualize chest structures from multiple angles, providing more detailed anatomical information than single-view imaging.

Why Chest X-ray Prices Vary

Hospital pricing structures: Gross charges vary dramatically, from Houston Methodist's $1,250 to HCA West's $2,728. However, the cash price gap narrows significantly due to different discount strategies. Memorial Hermann facilities offer 68% discounts, St. Luke's facilities offer 65% discounts, Houston Methodist offers 50% discounts, while HCA facilities offer no cash discounts. This results in cash prices ranging from $389.28 to $2,728, a 7-fold difference. Facility type and alternatives: Academic medical centers and large health systems often have higher list prices but may offer substantial cash discounts. Community hospitals within the same system typically maintain consistent pricing structures, as seen with Memorial Hermann's uniform pricing across all locations. The $389.28 to $2,728 cash price range reflects different hospital business models and market positioning. Outpatient imaging centers and freestanding facilities not included in this hospital data may offer different pricing structures.

Paying cash? Health insurance could lower your Chest X-ray cost.

Published cash prices on this page range from $84.49 to $625. Insurers on this page have negotiated rates starting from $33.08, many times lower than cash prices at the same hospitals. If you are uninsured, a marketplace health plan could reduce your out-of-pocket cost for this procedure.

Compare Health Insurance Plans → Get Free Plan Estimate →

Links go to Healthcare.gov, the official federal health insurance marketplace. We are not affiliated with Healthcare.gov or any insurance provider. This is not a recommendation for any specific plan.

Compare Insurer Rates for Chest X-ray in Houston

How much does each insurance company pay for chest x-ray at Houston hospitals?

Insurer	Lowest Rate	At Hospital	Highest Rate	Hospitals
Community Health Choice	$30.18	St Luke's Brazosport	$345.6	32
Aetna	$30.83	HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball	$345.6	32
Texas Children's Health Plan	$32.06	St Luke's Patients Medical Center	$735.75	17
UnitedHealthcare	$33.75	St Luke's Brazosport	$909.58	21
Superior Health Plan	$33.75	Texas Children's Hospital	$163.68	20
Amerigroup	$33.75	HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake	$1,340	14
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas	$35.44	Baylor St Luke's Medical Center	$340.2	21
Molina Healthcare	$37.13	HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake	$162	12

Rates shown are the lowest and highest negotiated rates each insurer has published across Houston hospitals for this procedure. Your actual cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay, and coinsurance.

What Insurers Actually Pay

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Published negotiated rates for Chest X-ray, 2 Views (HCPCS 71046) at HCA Kingwood, outpatient facility fee:

Chest X-ray, 2 Views (71046), HCA Kingwood Payer Rates

Insurance Payer	Plan Type	Negotiated Rate
Texas Health Network	MCD	$33.08
Amerigroup	MCDCHIPBH	$33.75
Amerigroup	MGMCD	$33.75
Community Health Choice MCD	CHIP	$33.75
Community Health Choice MCD	CHIPPerinatal	$33.75
Community Health Choice MCD	STAR	$33.75
Community Health Choice MCD	STAR+PLUS	$33.75
Texas Childrens Health Plans	STAR	$33.75
Texas Childrens Health Plans	STARKIDS	$33.75
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
United	MGMCD	$34.42
Aetna Better Health	MGMCD	$36.45
Molina Healthcare	CHIP	$37.13
Molina Healthcare	STAR	$37.13
Molina Healthcare	STARKIDS	$37.13
Molina Healthcare	STARPLUS	$37.13
Humana	MCD	$42.19
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	CSN	$84.71
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	OpenAccessPlus	$91.68
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Cigna	PPO	$108.98
Superior Health Plan	CHIP	$110.27
Superior Health Plan	CHPFC	$110.27
Superior Health Plan	STAR	$110.27
Superior Health Plan	STARKids	$110.27
Superior Health Plan	STARPLUS	$110.27
Superior Health Plan	CHIP	$112.29
Superior Health Plan	CHPFC	$112.29
Superior Health Plan	STAR	$112.29
Superior Health Plan	STARKids	$112.29
Superior Health Plan	STARPLUS	$112.29
Superior Health Plan	CHIP	$112.29
Superior Health Plan	CHPFC	$112.29
Superior Health Plan	STAR	$112.29
Superior Health Plan	STARKids	$112.29
Superior Health Plan	STARPLUS	$112.29
Superior Health Plan	CHIP	$121.28
Superior Health Plan	CHPFC	$121.28
Superior Health Plan	STAR	$121.28
Superior Health Plan	STARKids	$121.28
Superior Health Plan	STARPLUS	$121.28
Superior Health Plan	CHIP	$132.11
Superior Health Plan	CHPFC	$132.11
Superior Health Plan	STAR	$132.11
Superior Health Plan	STARKids	$132.11
Superior Health Plan	STARPLUS	$132.11
Superior Health Plan	CHIP	$132.11
Superior Health Plan	CHPFC	$132.11
Superior Health Plan	STAR	$132.11
Superior Health Plan	STARKids	$132.11
Superior Health Plan	STARPLUS	$132.11
Superior Health Plan	CHIP	$132.11
Superior Health Plan	CHPFC	$132.11
Superior Health Plan	STAR	$132.11
Superior Health Plan	STARKids	$132.11
Superior Health Plan	STARPLUS	$132.11
Aetna	QHPExchange	$137.21
BCBS	MyBlueHealth	$140.47
United	NarrowNetworkIndivExchange	$153.71
United	NarrowNetworkIndivExchange	$153.71
United	NarrowNetworkIndivExchange	$153.71
United	NarrowNetworkIndivExchange	$153.71
United	NarrowNetworkIndivExchange	$153.71
United	NarrowNetworkIndivExchange	$153.71
United	NarrowNetworkIndivExchange	$153.71
United	NarrowNetworkIndivExchange	$153.71
BCBS	BAV	$177.98
United	AllPayerAppendix	$182.03
United	SmallGroup	$182.03
United	AllPayerAppendix	$182.03
United	SmallGroup	$182.03
United	AllPayerAppendix	$182.03
United	SmallGroup	$182.03
United	AllPayerAppendix	$182.03
United	SmallGroup	$182.03
United	AllPayerAppendix	$182.03
United	SmallGroup	$182.03
United	AllPayerAppendix	$182.03
United	SmallGroup	$182.03
United	AllPayerAppendix	$182.03
United	SmallGroup	$182.03
United	AllPayerAppendix	$182.03
United	SmallGroup	$182.03
Aetna	NBHMO	$182.37
Aetna	NBPOS	$182.37
Aetna	NBPPO	$182.37
Aetna	COMMHMO	$193.99
Aetna	COMMPOS	$193.99
Aetna	COMMPPO	$193.99
Aetna	OONHMO	$228.1
Aetna	OONPOS	$228.1
Aetna	OONPPO	$228.1
Aetna	ASAHMO	$246.51
Aetna	ASAPOS	$246.51
Aetna	ASAPPO	$246.51
BCBS	HMO	$271.35
BCBS	EPOSOA	$281.73
BCBS	PPO	$291.31
Texas Childrens Health Plans	CHIP	$305.09
United	OptionsPPO	$308.77
Texas Childrens Health Plans	CHIP	$310.68
Texas Childrens Health Plans	CHIP	$310.68
United	OptionsPPO	$314.42
United	OptionsPPO	$314.42
Texas Childrens Health Plans	CHIP	$335.53
United	OptionsPPO	$339.58
Humana	HMO	$340.77
Humana	PPO	$340.77
Humana	HMO	$340.77
Humana	PPO	$340.77
Humana	HMO	$340.77
Humana	PPO	$340.77
Humana	HMO	$340.77
Humana	PPO	$340.77
Humana	HMO	$340.77
Humana	PPO	$340.77
Humana	HMO	$340.77
Humana	PPO	$340.77
Texas Childrens Health Plans	CHIP	$365.51
Texas Childrens Health Plans	CHIP	$365.51
Texas Childrens Health Plans	CHIP	$365.51
United	OptionsPPO	$369.91
United	OptionsPPO	$369.91
United	OptionsPPO	$369.91
Healthcare Highways	NarrowNetwork	$468.67
Healthcare Highways	NarrowNetwork	$477.25
Healthcare Highways	NarrowNetwork	$477.25
Evry Health	BroadNetwork	$501.75
Evry Health	BroadNetwork	$510.94
Evry Health	BroadNetwork	$510.94
Healthcare Highways	NarrowNetwork	$515.43
Evry Health	BroadNetwork	$551.81
Healthcare Highways	NarrowNetwork	$561.48
Healthcare Highways	NarrowNetwork	$561.48
Healthcare Highways	NarrowNetwork	$561.48
Evry Health	BroadNetwork	$601.11
Evry Health	BroadNetwork	$601.11
Evry Health	BroadNetwork	$601.11
BCBS	Traditional	$643.27
Imagine Health	PPO	$643.27
Kelsey Care (Boon-Chapman)	COMM	$643.27
BCBS	Traditional	$655.05
Imagine Health	PPO	$655.05
BCBS	Traditional	$655.05
Imagine Health	PPO	$655.05
Kelsey Care (Boon-Chapman)	COMM	$655.05
Kelsey Care (Boon-Chapman)	COMM	$655.05
BCBS	Traditional	$707.45
Imagine Health	PPO	$707.45
Kelsey Care (Boon-Chapman)	COMM	$707.45
Christus (USFHP)	TRICARE	$735.16
Curative Administrators	COMM	$735.16
Christus (USFHP)	TRICARE	$748.62
Curative Administrators	COMM	$748.62
Christus (USFHP)	TRICARE	$748.62
Curative Administrators	COMM	$748.62
BCBS	Traditional	$770.65
Imagine Health	PPO	$770.65
Kelsey Care (Boon-Chapman)	COMM	$770.65
Kelsey Care (Boon-Chapman)	COMM	$770.65
BCBS	Traditional	$770.65
Imagine Health	PPO	$770.65
Kelsey Care (Boon-Chapman)	COMM	$770.65
BCBS	Traditional	$770.65
Imagine Health	PPO	$770.65
HealthSmart Preferred Care	ACCEL	$790.3
HealthSmart Preferred Care	ACCEL	$804.77
HealthSmart Preferred Care	ACCEL	$804.77
Christus (USFHP)	TRICARE	$808.52
Curative Administrators	COMM	$808.52
Averde Health	Commercial	$827.06
Fidelis SecureCare of TX	MGMCR	$827.06
United	GlobalAppendix	$827.06
Averde Health	Commercial	$842.2
Fidelis SecureCare of TX	MGMCR	$842.2
United	GlobalAppendix	$842.2
Averde Health	Commercial	$842.2
Fidelis SecureCare of TX	MGMCR	$842.2
United	GlobalAppendix	$842.2
HealthSmart Preferred Care	ACCEL	$869.15
Christus (USFHP)	TRICARE	$880.75
Curative Administrators	COMM	$880.75
Christus (USFHP)	TRICARE	$880.75
Curative Administrators	COMM	$880.75
Christus (USFHP)	TRICARE	$880.75
Curative Administrators	COMM	$880.75
Averde Health	Commercial	$909.58
Fidelis SecureCare of TX	MGMCR	$909.58
United	GlobalAppendix	$909.58
Multiplan	SAVILITYNETWORK	$918.96
Multiplan	SAVILITYNETWORK	$935.78
Multiplan	SAVILITYNETWORK	$935.78
HealthSmart Preferred Care	ACCEL	$946.8
HealthSmart Preferred Care	ACCEL	$946.8
HealthSmart Preferred Care	ACCEL	$946.8
Coventry National First Health	COMM	$979.61
Averde Health	Commercial	$990.84
Fidelis SecureCare of TX	MGMCR	$990.84
United	GlobalAppendix	$990.84
Averde Health	Commercial	$990.84
Fidelis SecureCare of TX	MGMCR	$990.84
United	GlobalAppendix	$990.84
Averde Health	Commercial	$990.84
Fidelis SecureCare of TX	MGMCR	$990.84
United	GlobalAppendix	$990.84
Coventry National First Health	COMM	$997.54
Coventry National First Health	COMM	$997.54
Multiplan	SAVILITYNETWORK	$1,010.64
Physicians Cooperative of Texas	WC	$1,010.85
Rockport Workers Comp	COMM	$1,010.85
Physicians Cooperative of Texas	WC	$1,029.36
Rockport Workers Comp	COMM	$1,029.36
Physicians Cooperative of Texas	WC	$1,029.36
Rockport Workers Comp	COMM	$1,029.36
Coventry National First Health	COMM	$1,077.35
Multiplan	SAVILITYNETWORK	$1,100.93
Multiplan	SAVILITYNETWORK	$1,100.93
Multiplan	SAVILITYNETWORK	$1,100.93
Beech Street	WCOMP	$1,102.75
Independent Medical System	COMM	$1,102.75
National Healthcare Solutions	COMM	$1,102.75
SouthWest Medical	WORKERSCOMP	$1,102.75
Physicians Cooperative of Texas	WC	$1,111.71
Rockport Workers Comp	COMM	$1,111.71
Beech Street	WCOMP	$1,122.94
Independent Medical System	COMM	$1,122.94
National Healthcare Solutions	COMM	$1,122.94
SouthWest Medical	WORKERSCOMP	$1,122.94
Beech Street	WCOMP	$1,122.94
Independent Medical System	COMM	$1,122.94
National Healthcare Solutions	COMM	$1,122.94
SouthWest Medical	WORKERSCOMP	$1,122.94
Coventry National First Health	COMM	$1,173.6
Coventry National First Health	COMM	$1,173.6
Coventry National First Health	COMM	$1,173.6
Coastal Comp	COMM	$1,194.64
Physicians Cooperative of Texas	WC	$1,211.03
Rockport Workers Comp	COMM	$1,211.03
Physicians Cooperative of Texas	WC	$1,211.03
Rockport Workers Comp	COMM	$1,211.03
Physicians Cooperative of Texas	WC	$1,211.03
Rockport Workers Comp	COMM	$1,211.03
Beech Street	WCOMP	$1,212.77
Independent Medical System	COMM	$1,212.77
National Healthcare Solutions	COMM	$1,212.77
SouthWest Medical	WORKERSCOMP	$1,212.77
Coastal Comp	COMM	$1,216.51
Coastal Comp	COMM	$1,216.51
Coastal Comp	COMM	$1,313.84
Beech Street	WCOMP	$1,321.12
Independent Medical System	COMM	$1,321.12
National Healthcare Solutions	COMM	$1,321.12
SouthWest Medical	WORKERSCOMP	$1,321.12
Beech Street	WCOMP	$1,321.12
Independent Medical System	COMM	$1,321.12
National Healthcare Solutions	COMM	$1,321.12
SouthWest Medical	WORKERSCOMP	$1,321.12
Beech Street	WCOMP	$1,321.12
Independent Medical System	COMM	$1,321.12
National Healthcare Solutions	COMM	$1,321.12
SouthWest Medical	WORKERSCOMP	$1,321.12
Coastal Comp	COMM	$1,431.22
Coastal Comp	COMM	$1,431.22
Coastal Comp	COMM	$1,431.22
Beech Street	COMMPPO	$1,470.33
Beech Street	COMMPPO	$1,497.25
Beech Street	COMMPPO	$1,497.25
HealthSmart Preferred Care	PPO	$1,507.09
HealthSmart Preferred Care	PPO	$1,534.68
HealthSmart Preferred Care	PPO	$1,534.68
HealthSmart Preferred Care	ACCOUNTABLEPPO	$1,562.22
Physicians, INC	COMM	$1,562.22
USA Managed Care	COMM	$1,562.22
HealthSmart Preferred Care	ACCOUNTABLEPPO	$1,590.83
Physicians, INC	COMM	$1,590.83
USA Managed Care	COMM	$1,590.83
HealthSmart Preferred Care	ACCOUNTABLEPPO	$1,590.83
Physicians, INC	COMM	$1,590.83
USA Managed Care	COMM	$1,590.83
Beech Street	COMMPPO	$1,617.03
Affiliated PPO	COMM	$1,654.12
Multiplan	COMPLEMENTARYPPO	$1,654.12
HealthSmart Preferred Care	PPO	$1,657.46
Affiliated PPO	COMM	$1,684.4
Multiplan	COMPLEMENTARYPPO	$1,684.4
Affiliated PPO	COMM	$1,684.4
Multiplan	COMPLEMENTARYPPO	$1,684.4
HealthSmart Preferred Care	ACCOUNTABLEPPO	$1,718.1
Physicians, INC	COMM	$1,718.1
USA Managed Care	COMM	$1,718.1
Beech Street	COMMPPO	$1,761.5
Beech Street	COMMPPO	$1,761.5
Beech Street	COMMPPO	$1,761.5
HealthSmart Preferred Care	PPO	$1,805.53
HealthSmart Preferred Care	PPO	$1,805.53
HealthSmart Preferred Care	PPO	$1,805.53
Affiliated PPO	COMM	$1,819.16
Multiplan	COMPLEMENTARYPPO	$1,819.16
HealthSmart Preferred Care	ACCOUNTABLEPPO	$1,871.59
Physicians, INC	COMM	$1,871.59
USA Managed Care	COMM	$1,871.59
HealthSmart Preferred Care	ACCOUNTABLEPPO	$1,871.59
Physicians, INC	COMM	$1,871.59
USA Managed Care	COMM	$1,871.59
HealthSmart Preferred Care	ACCOUNTABLEPPO	$1,871.59
Physicians, INC	COMM	$1,871.59
USA Managed Care	COMM	$1,871.59
Affiliated PPO	COMM	$1,981.68
Multiplan	COMPLEMENTARYPPO	$1,981.68
Affiliated PPO	COMM	$1,981.68
Multiplan	COMPLEMENTARYPPO	$1,981.68
Affiliated PPO	COMM	$1,981.68
Multiplan	COMPLEMENTARYPPO	$1,981.68

Key finding: Insurance negotiated rates vary 85-fold, from $30.18 for Medicaid at St. Luke's Brazosport to $2,555.36 for commercial plans at HCA Conroe.

How to Use This Information

✓ These are facility fees only. The physician's fee is billed separately.
✓ Contact your insurer or the hospital billing department for your specific out-of-pocket cost.
✓ Many hospitals offer financial assistance programs for patients who qualify.

Our methodology · Medical Disclaimer

What Patients Ask About Chest X-ray Costs

How much does a chest x-ray cost without insurance in Houston?

Cash prices for chest X-rays with two views in Houston range from $389.28 to $2,728 without insurance. Memorial Hermann facilities across all locations charge $389.28, while St. Luke's facilities range from $534.80 to $572.25. Houston Methodist charges $625, and HCA facilities range from $1,028.12 at HCA Conroe to $2,728 at HCA West. This represents a 7-fold price difference between the lowest and highest cash prices. These facility fees cover the imaging procedure, equipment use, and technologist services, but do not include the radiologist's professional fee for reading and interpreting the X-ray images, which is billed separately by the physician or radiology group.

Why is the gross charge so much higher than the cash price?

The gross charge represents the hospital's published list price, also called the chargemaster price, which serves as the starting point before discounts are applied. Memorial Hermann facilities demonstrate this gap clearly, with gross charges of $1,216.50 but cash prices of $389.28, representing a 68% discount. St. Luke's facilities show similar patterns with 65% discounts. However, HCA facilities show no discount between gross and cash prices, meaning their cash price equals their gross charge. Houston Methodist offers a 50% cash discount. Almost no patients pay the full gross charge, as insurance companies negotiate lower rates and hospitals typically offer cash discounts to uninsured patients. The gross charge primarily serves as an administrative reference point for billing calculations.

Does insurance cover a chest x-ray?

Insurance coverage for chest X-rays depends on the specific plan terms and plan coverage requirements as determined by the treating physician. Negotiated rates vary significantly, with this data showing rates from $30.18 to $2,555.36 for the same procedure depending on the insurance plan and hospital. Most insurance plans cover covered imaging, but some may require prior authorization for non-emergency cases. Patients with high-deductible health plans who have not yet met their annual deductible will pay the negotiated insurance rate, not the higher gross charge. The negotiated rate is typically much lower than both the gross charge and cash price, making insurance coverage financially beneficial even when deductibles apply.

Are there additional fees beyond the chest x-ray facility charge?

The facility fees shown cover hospital charges for the imaging room, equipment, and technologist services, but additional professional fees apply. A radiologist will separately bill for reading and interpreting the X-ray images, which requires specialized training to identify abnormalities and provide diagnostic reports to the ordering physician. This professional interpretation fee is billed separately from the facility charge. If the chest X-ray is performed in an emergency department setting, separate emergency room facility fees will also apply. Patients may expect at least two separate bills: one from the hospital for facility services and one from the radiologist or radiology group for professional interpretation services. Some hospitals may also charge additional fees for digital image storage or copies of images.

Compare Other Procedures in Houston

Echocardiogram Cost in Houston

Cash prices from $526.13 to $19,964.77.

Colonoscopy Cost in Houston

Cash prices from $462 to $1,835.24.

ER Visit Cost in Houston

Cash prices from $265.69 to $9,731.47.

Data Sources

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Baylor St Luke's Medical Center

File updated: 2026-02-28 · Accessed by us: 2026-04-13

We are not affiliated with Baylor St Luke's Medical Center. Published prices may not reflect your actual cost. Disclaimer