How Much Does an Ultrasound Cost?

Ultrasounds are common procedures in the United States. Over a four-year period, more than 30 million ultrasound procedures were billed to Medicare alone.¹ But despite so many people getting ultrasounds every year, out-of-pocket costs can still be a barrier to obtaining treatment.²

Not all ultrasound treatments are covered by health insurance, and sometimes the cost can be much higher than you expect, depending on what part of your body is being scanned and where you live.³ For this reason, many patients may ultimately need financing to help cover the costs.

What Is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound imagery, also called sonography, is a popular procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to view areas inside your body in real time.⁴ Typically, a transducer is pressed against your skin, over a thin layer of gel, to get the images.⁴ Sometimes, a small device may need to be placed inside your body to get better images.⁵ Today, there are even some doctors who have portable ultrasounds that can fit in a pocket and connect wirelessly to a smartphone.⁶

While many ultrasounds are 2D, there are also 3D ultrasounds that provide clearer images and 4D ultrasounds that produce 3D images in motion. 2D ultrasounds are a popular choice for pregnancies, as that is typically all that's needed to see a fetus's internal organs. 3D or 4D imaging might be used for diagnosing something more complicated, like a skeletal issue or uterine fibroids.⁷

There are numerous uses for ultrasounds, ranging from guided biopsies to heart imaging. Some common uses of ultrasounds include:

• Fetal ultrasounds during pregnancy⁴
• Doppler ultrasounds to view blood flow⁴
• Breast ultrasounds to evaluate bumps and cysts, often after an abnormal mammogram⁷
• Echocardiograms for the heart⁴
• Ultrasound-guided biopsies and needle placements⁴
• Transrectal ultrasounds inserted into the rectum to view the prostate⁵
• Transvaginal ultrasounds to view the uterus and ovaries⁵
• Abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds for diagnosing pain and other issues⁷
• Thyroid ultrasounds to check for lesions and nodules⁷
• Guidance for other procedures like nerve blocks and IUD (intrauterine device) insertions⁷

How Much Does an Ultrasound Cost?

Ultrasound costs can vary depending on the geographic location where the ultrasound is done, the body part being scanned and the type of ultrasound being used. On average, an ultrasound can range in cost from $200 to $800.²

Here is a look at price estimates for different types of ultrasounds in the central Texas region, including what is estimated to be a fair price based on amounts health plans pay on claims:⁸

The price can also vary greatly depending on where you live. For example, a fetal ultrasound in Tampa, Florida, averages about $134, while one in Baltimore, Maryland, is closer to $648.² And an out-of-network fetal ultrasound might cost $1,000 or more.²

Cost of living, population density and the number of available providers can all play a role in price. In Vermont, the average cost of all ultrasounds is $773, in Virginia it's $1,114, in Maryland it's $434 and in Arkansas it's $388.³

The reason for the ultrasound can also affect the price. If an ultrasound is being used to try to diagnose something more complicated, it could cost more than an uncomplicated, expected ultrasound during a pregnancy checkup.³ Or, a common pelvic exam might cost less than an eye ultrasound that requires a uniquely trained specialist to read the results.³ The price really can vary depending on a number of factors, which is why it's important to try to get an estimate from your provider beforehand.

Will Health Insurance Cover Ultrasounds?

Figuring out if insurance covers an ultrasound can be a bit tricky. Essentially, it comes down to whether or not the ultrasound is deemed medically necessary.⁹

For example, 2D ultrasounds are typically all that is recommended for a routine fetal ultrasound.¹⁰ If your doctor prescribes one, your insurance will likely cover it.⁹ But you likely won't be able to get a 3D or 4D ultrasound covered.¹⁰ In fact, the FDA advises against these for pregnant women, since they can take much longer than a 2D ultrasound.¹⁰

But even if your insurance covers an ultrasound, you might still be left with a bill, depending on what your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum are.⁹

These steps can help you get the best price possible on an ultrasound and pay for what's left:

• Make sure you're using an in-network provider.⁹
• Try to get your ultrasound at a stand-alone facility. These often cost less than getting an ultrasound at a hospital. In fact, the cost difference for fetal ultrasounds can be as big as $400 at a stand-alone clinic versus $1,000 at a hospital.²
• Talk to the facility or provider about setting up a payment plan.²
• If you need an ultrasound for a pregnancy, some clinics may offer free or low-cost ultrasounds.²
• Look into financing the out-of-pocket cost with a CareCredit credit card.*

Ultrasounds have a wide range of uses, from checking on the health of a fetus during pregnancy to diagnosing what's causing a health issue. Ultrasounds are even used to help guide biopsies and other procedures. While the procedure is often covered by insurance, chances are still high that you'll end up having some out-of-pocket costs to contend with.

Are Ultrasounds Safe?

In general, ultrasounds are safe procedures with little risk.⁵ Because sonography uses nonionizing radiation, it's safer than X-rays or CT scans.⁴ However, there are still slight risks if exposure is unnecessarily prolonged, which is why 3D and 4D ultrasounds (again, which can take longer than 2D scans) aren't typically recommended for pregnancies.⁷

Most ultrasounds also require little preparation. A few specific conditions may require minimal prep, such as not eating or drinking before a gallbladder ultrasound or having a full bladder before some pelvic ultrasounds,⁵ but it's typically not too complicated. The simplicity of the procedure and thoroughness of the exam make it a popular choice for diagnostics.

Managing Health & Wellness Costs With the CareCredit Credit Card

If you are looking for an option to help manage your health & wellness costs, consider financing with the CareCredit credit card. The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for the care you want and need and make payments easy to manage.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a provider near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Author Bio

Stephanie Dwilson specializes in science journalism, breaking news and animal health and is a business owner, non-practicing attorney and writer.