How Much Does a VNG Test Cost?

Last Updated on February 21, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

A VNG test, or videonystagmography test, is a key diagnostic tool for evaluating balance disorders and dizziness. But like many healthcare services, the costs associated with VNG testing can vary widely and be difficult to pin down. This article will break down the key factors that influence the price of a VNG test, provide cost estimates, and offer guidance for managing expenses. Understanding the costs ahead of time can help you navigate the financial aspects of a VNG test with greater confidence.

VNG testing is an essential assessment that can provide critical insights into the root causes of equilibrium problems. The results have important implications for treatment and management of debilitating symptoms. But it’s natural for patients to have questions about the price tag for this specialized testing. Read on to learn what goes into the cost of a VNG test and get tips for budgeting and financial assistance.

How Much Does a VNG Test Cost?

The overall price of a VNG test can vary between $300 and $1,500 for uninsured individuals, and between $50 and $500 with insurance, but generally falls within the following ranges:

Without Insurance

• The typical total cost for a VNG test without insurance ranges from $500 to $1000, with most people paying around $700 on average.
• Some specialty clinics or hospitals may charge over $1,500 for VNG testing without insurance.
• More affordable options like community health centers can charge between $300 and $500 for uninsured patients.

With Insurance

• For patients with insurance coverage, the out-of-pocket cost for VNG tests often ranges from $50 to $500 depending on the policy.
• Medicare patients pay about 20% of the total cost after meeting the Part B deductible, which can mean $150 to $300 out-of-pocket.
• Medicaid patients have minimal costs, usually a $10 to $50 copay per test.
• With private insurance, the average out-of-pocket expense ranges from $100 to $400 including copays and coinsurance.

Cost Ranges at Sample Facilities

Here are some examples of VNG test costs at hospitals and clinics:

• Local Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic:
  • Without insurance: $600
  • With insurance: $100 copay and 20% coinsurance
• Regional Medical Center (hospital):
  • Without insurance: $900
  • With insurance: $250 copay and 10% coinsurance
• National Balance Center chain:
  • Without insurance: $475
  • With insurance: $75 copay and 50% coinsurance

What is a VNG Test?

A VNG test is a diagnostic procedure that measures a person’s ability to balance and track movement. It involves a series of evaluations designed to examine the vestibular system and the nerves that regulate spatial orientation and balance.

Overview of VNG Tests

Specifically, VNG testing records involuntary eye movements called nystagmus. This nystagmus occurs when the vestibular system is disrupted. During VNG testing, a healthcare provider observes eye movements in response to visual stimuli and head positioning.

Some of the tests may include:

• Oculomotor evaluation of eye movements
• Positional testing
• Caloric stimulation
• Subjective visual vertical testing

VNG testing can last anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour depending on the battery of tests administered. The entire process is non-invasive and painless.

The Importance of VNG Testing

The insights from VNG testing are extremely valuable in diagnosing conditions like vertigo, labyrinthitis, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). It can identify vestibular disorders as the potential cause of dizziness, imbalance, nausea, and disorientation.

VNG results guide treatment such as vestibular rehabilitation exercises. They also influence decisions about medication and surgery for vestibular conditions. Accurate diagnosis is critical for effective long-term management of disruptive symptoms that can severely impact quality of life.

Factors Influencing the Cost of a VNG Test

Many considerations influence the price of VNG testing. Costs vary between healthcare facilities and geographical regions. The specifics of an individual’s insurance coverage also significantly sway the bottom line.

The Components of VNG Testing Cost

Some of the elements that make up the costs of VNG testing include:

• Technology: VNG testing relies on specialized equipment like videonystagmography goggles and monitors to track eye movements. This technology represents a significant upfront investment for clinics.
• Personnel: VNG testing must be administered by audiologists or neurologists with advanced training in assessing and treating vestibular disorders. Their expertise commands higher healthcare professional fees.
• Facility Fees: Hospitals or medical facilities bill for the overhead costs of appointments, which are passed along to the patient through facility fees.
• Length of Visit: More extensive VNG testing with a wider array of diagnostic sub-tests may come at a higher cost due to additional provider time.

Insurance Coverage and VNG Tests

The out-of-pocket cost for VNG testing depends greatly on each patient’s health insurance coverage. Policies have different stipulations that impact how much individuals end up paying themselves.

Insurance Policies

Private insurance plans, Medicare, and Medicaid have their own rules regarding VNG testing coverage. Some key factors affecting insurance payment include:

• Deductibles: The annual amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. Some plans have high deductibles reaching thousands of dollars.
• Co-pays: The flat fee per visit ranging from $20 to over $100 depending on the plan.
• Co-insurance: The percentage of the total bill you’re responsible for, often 10%-50%.
• Policy Limits: Caps on how much the provider can charge for certain services, which protects patients from excessive bills.
• Prior Authorization Requirements: Some plans require approval of VNG testing before covering it.

Always contact your insurance provider to understand your expected costs for a VNG test based on your specific policy.

Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare provides health coverage for those 65 and older. For traditional Medicare, Part B covers outpatient diagnostic tests like VNG. After meeting the $226 annual deductible for Part B, beneficiaries pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Medicaid eligibility is based on income requirements. Coverage varies between state programs. Most include VNG testing with either small co-pays (under $10) or no out-of-pocket costs at all.

You might also like our articles about the cost of an MRCP test, HIDA scan, or eye exam.

Private Insurance Considerations

Private health plans can differ widely in their cost-sharing for VNG tests. HMO and PPO plans often have higher deductibles and co-insurance rates than public insurance.

High-deductible health plans (over $1,400 individually or $2,800 for families) require you to foot the entire bill until you meet the deductible. After that, they function like a traditional plan.

Always confirm your expected costs with your insurance provider. Ask if VNG testing requires a referral or prior authorization. Request an estimate of your out-of-pocket responsibility for the test based on your annual deductible and co-insurance rate.

Hearinghealthmatters.org, for example, reports that the reimbursement rates for vestibular testing decreased 44% to 68% between 2010 and 2017, and the cost of a basic VNG exam with 4 caloric irrigations is $284.63, down 53%.

Out-of-Pocket Costs and Financial Assistance

Even with insurance, VNG tests may bring significant medical bills. But there are ways to reduce and manage these out-of-pocket expenses.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

For patients with no insurance, VNG tests can cost between $500 and $1000 on average. With insurance, you may pay:

• $50-$350 for co-pays
• 10-50% of the total bill for co-insurance
• The full cost up to your deductible limit

Keep in mind that facility fees and additional tests may drive up the total price. Ask for an itemized cost breakdown before scheduling your test.

Financial Assistance Programs

If the out-of-pocket costs for a VNG test are prohibitive, financial assistance may be available:

• Many hospitals offer income-based charity care to reduce or cover medical bills for patients who qualify based on their income.
• Payment plans and sliding fee scales are another option. Clinics may break up costs into more manageable monthly installments.
• Community health centers and clinics provide care on an income-adjusted scale or for low flat fees.
• Public assistance programs like Medicaid provide low or no-cost coverage for VNG tests for those who meet state eligibility rules.

Tips for Managing Costs

Some additional ways to manage VNG test costs include:

• Comparing prices between local providers to find good value.
• Using tax-advantaged accounts like HSAs or FSAs to pay and get tax savings.
• Avoiding unnecessary extra tests to limit costs.
• Negotiating costs and requesting discounts, especially if paying in cash.

Preparing for Your VNG Test

Here are some other tips to make sure you’re prepared.

What to Expect During the Test

VNG testing involves non-invasive evaluations while seated. Small electrodes will be placed around the eyes to detect nystagmus. You’ll wear video goggles and be asked to focus on a target and follow instructions to move your head in certain ways. The full battery of tests takes about an hour.

After the Test

It takes specialists time to interpret the test results and diagnose the cause of dizziness issues based on VNG findings. A follow-up appointment to review results may be scheduled 1-2 weeks after the initial test.

The next steps will depend on the test findings, but may involve vestibular rehabilitation exercises or medication if a peripheral inner ear disorder is identified. Surgery may be warranted for certain central nervous system causes behind vestibular dysfunction.

Final Words

VNG testing provides invaluable diagnostic information to guide treatment for debilitating balance disorders. While costs can be high, particularly for uninsured patients, it is important not to avoid seeking care. There are financial assistance programs available for those who qualify to help make VNG testing affordable.

With a better understanding of the pricing, it is possible to budget wisely and make choices to maximize insurance coverage. Do your research and ask questions to prepare for managing the expense of VNG tests. The critical health insights the test provides are well worth the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a VNG test covered by insurance?

In most cases, yes, VNG testing is covered by both public and private insurance plans with some cost-sharing responsibility for the patient.

Medicare Part B covers VNG testing after paying the annual deductible. Medicaid also includes it as a covered benefit, often with minimal or no out-of-pocket costs. Most private plans also provide coverage for medically necessary diagnostic procedures like VNG.

But the specifics of insurance policies, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, will determine a patient’s total out-of-pocket costs. Always check with your insurance provider to understand the details of your coverage and get an estimate of expenses for a VNG test. Financial assistance programs may help reduce costs for those who qualify.

Is a VNG test necessary?

For patients experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance, VNG testing is often a critical and necessary diagnostic procedure. It allows healthcare providers to definitively diagnose the underlying cause of these debilitating symptoms.

VNG test results can differentiate between inner ear vestibular disorders or neurological causes. This diagnostic information guides effective treatment plans. Accurately identifying the root problem is key for managing ongoing symptoms that severely impact quality of life.

In some straightforward cases, doctors can make a diagnosis based on symptoms alone or other basic exams. But VNG testing provides vital objective data and should be considered whenever the cause of equilibrium issues is uncertain or symptoms are severe.

Is vestibular therapy expensive?

Vestibular therapy is usually not as costly as the initial diagnostic exams like VNG testing. But prices for vestibular rehab can vary.

For patients with insurance coverage, copays for physical therapy sessions may range from $20-$60 per visit. The average is around $35 per session.

Those paying cash without insurance face costs of $100 or more per therapy appointment. Many clinics do offer discounted rates for cash-paying patients.

The number of therapy sessions needed also impacts total costs. Most patients attend 1-2 times per week for 2-3 months. Financial assistance like sliding fee scales or payment plans can help manage costs for vestibular therapy.