How Much Does A Thyroid Ultrasound Cost?

Last Updated on October 15, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

If your doctor detects potential issues with your thyroid gland during a physical exam, they may recommend a thyroid ultrasound for further evaluation. But what should you realistically budget for out-of-pocket when it comes to this common diagnostic imaging test?

A thyroid ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, helping identify conditions like nodules, inflammation, cysts, or tumors. Knowing typical pricing ranges prevents sticker shock so you can focus on your health confidently.

How Much Does A Thyroid Ultrasound Cost?

On average, the total cost of a thyroid ultrasound for most patients ranges from $200 to $1,000, depending on your insurance coverage, the type of facility, reason for the exam, and any additional tests required. Prices can vary widely based on location, provider, and other factors.

On average, a standard thyroid ultrasound costs:

• $250 to $500 through an imaging center or outpatient clinic.
• $400 to $800 billed by a hospital radiology department.
• $100 to $300 when performed in a physician’s office.

Overall, typical price ranges include:

• Basic screening ultrasound: $100 to $350
• Diagnostic scan: $300 to $600
• With radiologist interpretation: $400 to $1000

Many factors adjust the final prices higher or lower on a case-by-case basis. We will examine these shortly.

According to Atlantic Endocrinology, the average price for a thyroid ultrasound ranges from $200 to $1,000. Specifically, hospital-based ultrasounds typically cost between $400 and $800, while imaging centers charge around $250 to $600. Doctor’s offices generally offer the lowest prices, ranging from $200 to $400.

Another source, a study reported by Radiology Business, highlights a significant variation in costs for neck ultrasounds, which can range from $82 to $939. This disparity reflects differences in facility types and regional pricing structures across various healthcare providers.

According to an article on NCBI, while specific costs for thyroid ultrasounds are not detailed, the broader context of ultrasound screening for thyroid conditions indicates that costs can be substantial, especially when considering long-term follow-up and treatment options.

What is a Thyroid Ultrasound?

A thyroid ultrasound is an important non-invasive imaging procedure that uses specialized equipment to direct targeted sound waves at the thyroid gland, building a visual picture based on the sound waves’ echoes and how they change as they bounce back. It may be ordered by your doctor if you are exhibiting potential thyroid issues like:

• Visible or palpable swelling, lumps, or enlargement in the base of the neck.
• Difficulty swallowing or neck discomfort.
• Hoarse voice or changes in voice pitch and consistency.
• The presence of nodules or unusual growths felt by your physician during a neck examination.

The detailed images allow evaluation of the thyroid gland’s size, shape, position, and composition. The test can check for:

• The presence of nodules, cysts, lesions, or tumors.
• Inflammation, swelling, or enlargement of the gland.
• Blood flow in and out of the gland tied to hyperthyroidism.
• Overall anatomy and any structural abnormalities.

Knowing the costs ahead of time for this often recommended test ensures you are able to follow through on your doctor’s prescribed plan of action without financial barriers.

You might also like our articles about the cost of pelvic ultrasounds, 3D and 4D ultrasounds, and ultrasound technician classes.

Factors Influencing the Price

Several important variables impact what you will be charged for a thyroid ultrasound scan:

• Geographic location – Prices are often noticeably higher in metropolitan areas compared to rural locations based on cost of living and demand.
• Type of facility – Hospital radiology departments usually bill higher total amounts compared to freestanding imaging centers or outpatient clinics.
• Reason for the exam – A full detailed diagnostic scan naturally costs more than a simple screening, especially if checking suspicious nodules already discovered.
• Radiologist’s fee – Many facilities bill separately for a specialist to interpret the results, typically $100 to $300 per scan.
• Added tests – Additional imaging like elastography, contrast dye injections, or biopsy procedures performed during the same visit can increase costs.

Having a clear understanding of these cost factors allows you to budget more accurately for your expected portion of the charges.

Insurance Coverage

If the thyroid ultrasound is deemed medically necessary, either for screening or diagnosing active symptoms, insurance will typically cover some portion of the test’s total charges:

• Copays – A set dollar copay is due at the time of the ultrasound, often $20 to $75 depending on your plan details.
• Deductibles – You pay 100% out-of-pocket until meeting your annual deductible, which often falls in the $500 to $2000
• Coinsurance – After your deductible is reached, you pay a percentage of costs, typically 10% to 50% based on your plan.
• Out-of-pocket maximum – Health plans cap your total annual expenses, usually around $2500 to $7000.

Always check your specific coverage details through your insurance provider beforehand to understand estimated copays, deductibles, and total out-of-pocket responsibilities you may face with a thyroid ultrasound test.

Thyroid Ultrasound Without Insurance

For uninsured patients, expect to pay the facility’s full retail charges out-of-pocket without any discounts:

• Imaging centers or clinics– Often the most affordable at $250 to $500 per scan. Payment plans and discounts for cash payment may offset costs.
• Hospitals– Highest costs at $400 to $1000+ per scan. Uninsured discounts around 30% may be offered.
• Doctor’s offices– $100 to $300 per scan depending on the practice. Providers may also offer payment plans.
• Healthcare sharing programs– Faith-based health sharing ministries can provide community-funded assistance.
• Tax-advantaged savings plans– HSAs, FSAs, or HRAs allow paying medical bills using tax-free savings funds.

Always negotiate costs and payment arrangements upfront before proceeding. Do your research to discover the most affordable quality care.

Keeping Ultrasound Costs Affordable

Some ways to save on thyroid ultrasound costs include:

• Use freestanding imaging centers when possible – often 40% cheaper than hospitals.
• Ask if a thyroid screening is sufficient rather than full diagnostic scan.
• Consider ultrasound schools – supervised students provide discounted services.
• Seek providers offering upfront package pricing with no surprise bills.
• Time the test to occur in the same plan year as other medical expenses to maximize insurance coverage.
• Look for coupons or cash-pay discounts at facilities – can save 20% or more.

Price Ranges Reported

Based on numerous patient reports, out-of-pocket costs often fall within these ranges:

• $100 to $300 for a basic screening thyroid ultrasound – For patients with minimal symptoms just looking for general gland evaluation.
• $300 to $600 for a full diagnostic thyroid ultrasound – For patients exhibiting multiple symptoms warranting detailed imaging and radiologist interpretation.
• $75 to $200 additional for specialists to interpret results – If your family doctor orders the scan, they may refer imaging away for a professional radiologist to analyze separately.
• Maximum $50 copay with insurance coverage – Insured patients meeting deductibles can expect to pay just a small copay, saving 80% or more off full charges.

Shop around between area providers before scheduling tests. Costs can vary dramatically.

Additional Expenses

Along with the thyroid scan itself, you may need to budget for:

• An office visit copay and consultation with a specialist like an endocrinologist to order the test – $30 to $100
• A separate radiologist fee to read and interpret the ultrasound results – $100 to $300 per scan
• Potential biopsy procedures if the ultrasound detects anything suspicious – $500 to $1500+
• Contrast dye injections to enhance ultrasound imaging – $50 to $200 per dose
• Follow-up doctor visits, blood tests, scans, and related expenses as needed – Varies significantly

Always clarify upfront what pre-authorizations your insurance requires and all projected expenses to avoid surprise bills after completing a thyroid ultrasound. Get cost estimates in writing.

The Bottom Line on Thyroid Ultrasound Prices

While billed charges vary based on many factors, most patients can reasonably expect to pay:

• Approximately $200 to $400 for a thyroid screening ultrasounddepending on location.
• Around $400 to $800 for a full diagnostic thyroid ultrasoundwith radiologist interpretation.
• An estimated 15% to 30% less with health insurance coveragewhen copays, deductibles, and policy benefits apply.
• Potentially 50% or more in savingswhen contrasting hospital versus independent imaging center bills.

Final Words

What should you expect to pay out-of-pocket for a thyroid ultrasound? Typical costs range widely from $150 to $1000 depending on your insurance benefits, chosen facility costs, geographic location, and added tests required.

Knowing fair price ranges for your area allows you to plan finances prudently, budget adequately, and proceed confidently with testing that provides your doctor visual data integral to diagnosing thyroid gland health and functioning.

Always discuss cost concerns transparently with providers to identify the most affordable yet highest quality options suited for your situation.

Answers to Common Questions

What are the limitations of thyroid ultrasound?

Thyroid ultrasound images are very detailed but cannot identify thyroid cancer definitively or analyze thyroid function and hormone production like blood tests or biopsies. Ultrasound cannot conclusively diagnose autoimmune disorders or determine if nodules are cancerous. Follow-up testing is often required.

Do you need to fast for a thyroid ultrasound?

No, there is no fasting or advance preparation required. You can eat normally and take any medications as scheduled. Wear clothes without turtle necks or scarves to expose the full neck area. Arrive 10 minutes before the ultrasound appointment time.

Can you drink water before a thyroid ultrasound?

Yes, you can drink water and use restroom facilities as needed before a thyroid ultrasound. The test involves only external imaging of the neck area, so having a full bladder or water intake is not a concern. Simply expose the neck region by wearing an open-collared shirt.