Cash prices 2,768 hospitals

Bone density scan cost without insurance

The median cash price for DEXA bone density scan is $373.97 across 2,768 US hospitals that publish a self-pay price. Most hospitals (the middle 80%) charge between $125.95 and $856.37.

A bone density scan, also called a DEXA or DXA scan, measures bone strength with a very low dose of X-rays to check for osteoporosis. The standard scan of the hip and spine is code 77080. A scan of the wrist, heel or finger (77081) is a simpler version, sometimes offered at health fairs and pharmacies. Many insurers cover a scan only at certain ages or risk levels, so a self-pay price can be useful.

Collected Oct 26, 2026 One price per hospital, from each hospital's own price file

Bone density scan prices by type

77080 is the central scan of the hip, pelvis or spine and is used in the state table. 77081 is a peripheral scan of the wrist, heel or finger. They are not interchangeable: doctors usually want the central scan to diagnose osteoporosis.

Procedure	Hospitals	Middle 80%	Median	Medicare
DEXA bone density scan DEXA bone density scan of the hip, pelvis or spine · code 77080	2,768	$125.95–$856.37	$373.97	$106.81median 3.5×
Peripheral bone density scan DEXA bone density scan of the wrist, heel or finger (peripheral) · code 77081	2,021	$72.60–$509.00	$192.50	$88.91median 2.2×

Procedure The service and its billing code (CPT or HCPCS). Opens the comparison of every hospital that prices it. More

Hospitals How many hospitals publish a cash price for this code here. Each hospital counts once, at its lowest outpatient cash price.

Middle 80% Cash prices of most hospitals: a tenth of hospitals charge less than the first number (P10), a tenth charge more than the second (P90). More

Median The middle cash price: half of the hospitals charge less, half charge more. One price per hospital. More

Medicare Medicare's 2026 national rate for the same outpatient service, including the patient's share, before the local wage adjustment. A yardstick, not a price you can pay. More

What the hospital price covers

The price is for the scan. The radiologist's reading may be billed separately, and so may a visit to discuss the result.

“Most charge” is the middle 80% of hospitals (10th to 90th percentile), so one mistyped line in a hospital file cannot stretch it. Each hospital counts once, at its lowest outpatient cash price for the code. “Medicare” is Medicare's 2026 national base rate for the same service outside a hospital stay, including the patient's share (the hospital outpatient, lab or hospital clinic rate); “median 3×” means the median cash price is three times that rate.

DEXA bone density scan: median by state

States with at least 5 hospitals, cheapest median first. Pick a state for its bone density scan prices and cheapest hospitals.

DEXA bone density scan: median by metro area

Metro areas with at least 10 hospitals.

Paying cash: what to do

Ask whether the price includes the radiologist's report.
Imaging centers and women's health clinics often charge much less than hospitals for the same scan.
If you have a prior scan, ask for the same machine and site so the results can be compared over time.

Questions

How much does a bone density scan cost without insurance?

The median hospital cash price for DEXA bone density scan (code 77080) is $373.97 across 2,768 US hospitals that publish a self-pay price; most charge $125.95 to $856.37. By state, the median runs from $125.00 in Puerto Rico to $656.42 in Vermont. The price is for the scan. The radiologist's reading may be billed separately, and so may a visit to discuss the result.

Who should have a bone density scan?

Guidelines often suggest it for women starting at 65 and for younger people with risk factors; ask your doctor what applies to you.

Does a bone density scan hurt?

No. You lie on a table while the scanner arm passes over you. It takes about 10 to 20 minutes.

Do I need a doctor's order?

Most facilities require an order from a licensed provider, and some accept self-referral.