How Much Does an Abdominal X-Ray Cost?
Quick Answer: Abdominal / KUB X-Ray Prices (2026)
- Imaging center, self-pay: $60-$200 for a 1-view KUB (CPT 74018)
- Urgent care: $90-$250, plus a visit fee
- Hospital outpatient: $250-$600
- Emergency room: $400-$1,000+ for the imaging, before ER facility and physician fees
- With insurance: usually a $10-$75 copay, or 10-30% coinsurance after your deductible
- Barium upper GI series: about $160-$610 self-pay on cash-price marketplaces
- UK private: roughly £100-£250; free on the NHS with a referral
An abdominal x-ray, often called a KUB (kidneys, ureters and bladder), is a quick, inexpensive picture of the belly taken while you lie on your back. It's used to look for kidney stones that show on x-ray, constipation, bowel obstruction, swallowed objects and the position of tubes or stents. Prices vary widely: New Hampshire's state price tool shows estimated uninsured prices for a 1-view abdominal x-ray from about $54 at an urgent care chain to more than $800 at an academic hospital, and HonorHealth in Arizona lists a 2025 self-pay price of $397 for the same code.
This guide covers abdominal x-ray costs by facility, the current CPT codes, insurance and Medicare costs, whether a KUB is enough to find a kidney stone (and when a CT is better), what barium x-ray studies cost, and how to pay less.
What Is a KUB or Abdominal X-Ray?
A KUB is a single frontal (AP) x-ray of the abdomen covering the area from the top of the kidneys to the bladder. "Abdominal x-ray" and "abdominal radiograph" usually mean the same exam, sometimes with extra views such as an upright or side-lying (decubitus) image to look for air-fluid levels or free air. No preparation is needed for a plain abdominal x-ray, it takes about 10 minutes, and there's no contrast or injection.
Doctors order abdominal x-rays to:
- Look for or follow up kidney, ureter or bladder stones that show on x-ray (radiopaque stones)
- Assess constipation or stool burden, especially in children
- Screen for bowel obstruction or abnormal gas patterns
- Find swallowed objects such as coins, batteries or magnets in children
- Check the position of feeding tubes, ureteral stents or other devices
An abdominal x-ray is less useful for most causes of abdominal pain, such as appendicitis, gallbladder disease or pancreatitis, which are better evaluated with ultrasound or CT.
Abdominal X-Ray Cost Without Insurance
| Facility Type | Low End | Typical | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Imaging Center | $60 | $120 | $200 |
| Urgent Care Center | $90 | $150 | $250 |
| Doctor's Office with X-Ray | $70 | $130 | $250 |
| Hospital Outpatient Department | $250 | $400 | $600 |
| Emergency Room | $400 | $650 | $1,000+ |
Typical self-pay prices for a 1-view abdominal x-ray (CPT 74018) including the radiologist's read. Multi-view studies cost somewhat more. ER figures cover the imaging only; ER facility and physician fees often push the total visit well above $1,000.
Always ask whether a quote is "global," including both the images and the radiologist's report, because some facilities bill the reading separately.
Abdominal X-Ray CPT Codes and Medicare Rates
Since January 1, 2018, abdominal x-rays have been billed by number of views. The older code 74000 was deleted and replaced with 74018, 74019 and 74021.
| CPT Code | Description | 2026 Medicare National Amount* | Example Hospital Self-Pay Price** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74018 | Abdomen, 1 view (typical KUB) | About $30 | $397 |
| 74019 | Abdomen, 2 views | About $36 | $422 |
| 74021 | Abdomen, 3 or more views | About $42 | $458 |
| 74022 | Complete acute abdomen series (abdomen views plus a single chest view) | Varies | $538 |
*Medicare Physician Fee Schedule national non-facility amounts (total RVUs x the 2026 conversion factor of about $33.40), before geographic adjustment. **HonorHealth (Arizona) prompt-pay self-pay prices, January 2025, shown as one example of hospital-based pricing.
The gap between Medicare's roughly $30 valuation and hospital self-pay prices near $400 shows why facility choice matters so much. Imaging centers usually price much closer to the low end.
Can I Pay for a Simple X-Ray to Detect Kidney Stones?
Yes, you can pay cash for a KUB at most imaging centers, but you'll usually need an order from a licensed clinician (a doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant). Urgent care clinics and telehealth services can evaluate you and write the order. More importantly, a KUB is often not the best first test for a suspected stone:
- CT without contrast is the preferred first test for a first episode of suspected kidney stone. The American College of Radiology's Appropriateness Criteria (2023) rate non-contrast CT of the abdomen and pelvis as "usually appropriate," because it reliably shows the stone's size and location, signs of blockage and other causes of pain. Many centers use low-dose stone protocols.
- KUB is less sensitive. Small stones, stones hidden by bowel gas or bone, and stones that don't block x-rays, such as uric acid stones, can be missed. The ACR rates KUB as "may be appropriate," often in combination with ultrasound.
- KUB is useful for follow-up. If a CT has already shown a stone that is visible on x-ray, a KUB is a cheap, lower-dose way to track whether it has moved or passed.
- Ultrasound comes first in pregnancy and is often used for children, because it uses no radiation.
Seek emergency care for kidney stone symptoms with fever or chills, inability to keep fluids down, very little urine, or uncontrolled pain. These can signal an infected or blocked kidney, which needs urgent treatment.
KUB vs. CT vs. Ultrasound: Cost Comparison
| Test | Typical Self-Pay Cost | Radiation (adult) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| KUB x-ray (74018) | $60 - $600 | About 0.7 mSv | Following known radiopaque stones, constipation, swallowed objects |
| Kidney / bladder ultrasound | $150 - $450 imaging center; higher at hospitals | None | Blockage (hydronephrosis), pregnancy, children |
| CT abdomen & pelvis without contrast (74176) | About $290 - $700 imaging center; $1,000 - $3,000+ hospital | About 7.7 mSv standard; lower with low-dose stone protocols | First-time suspected kidney stone, unexplained abdominal pain |
For reference, Medicare's 2026 national physician fee schedule amount for a non-contrast CT of the abdomen and pelvis (74176) is about $183, roughly six times the KUB amount. A CT costs more, but when it's the right test it often prevents repeat visits and extra imaging.
Barium X-Ray Studies: Upper GI, Barium Swallow and Barium Enema
Barium studies are a different kind of x-ray exam. You drink barium (or receive it by enema), and a radiologist watches it move through the digestive tract using fluoroscopy, a continuous x-ray. They take longer than a KUB, need preparation (usually fasting), and cost more:
- Upper GI series (esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine; CPT 74240 single-contrast, 74246 double-contrast): about $160-$610 self-pay on MDsave listings. Medicare's 2026 national amount for 74240 is about $122.
- Barium swallow / esophagram (swallowing problems, reflux; CPT 74220): usually priced similar to or slightly below an upper GI series.
- Small bowel follow-through and barium enema: longer exams, generally priced at or above an upper GI series.
Radiation is also higher: RadiologyInfo lists about 6 mSv for an upper GI study with barium or a barium enema, comparable to two years of natural background radiation. Many barium studies have been replaced by endoscopy or CT, but they remain useful for swallowing problems and some anatomy questions.
Abdominal X-Ray Cost With Insurance
| Coverage Type | Typical Cost to You |
|---|---|
| Copay plan | $10 - $30 imaging center or office; $50 - $75 hospital |
| Coinsurance after deductible | 10-30% of a roughly $50 - $300 negotiated rate |
| High-deductible plan, before deductible | Full negotiated rate, roughly $50 - $300+ (higher at hospitals) |
| Original Medicare (Part B) | 20% of the approved amount after the Part B deductible, often under $10; hospital outpatient copays may apply |
| Medicaid / CHIP | $0 - small copay |
Plain abdominal x-rays rarely need prior authorization, but CT often does for planned (non-emergency) studies. See our insurance coverage guide for details.
Is an Abdominal X-Ray Safe?
An adult abdominal x-ray delivers roughly 0.7 mSv (Mettler et al., 2008), several times a chest x-ray (about 0.1 mSv) but around a tenth of a standard abdomen-and-pelvis CT. Children receive smaller doses. Because the abdomen includes the uterus, tell the technologist if you are or might be pregnant; ultrasound is usually used instead. Read more in our x-ray safety guide.
Abdominal X-Ray Cost in the UK, Canada and Australia
UK: abdominal x-rays are free on the NHS when requested by a GP, A&E or specialist. Privately, a single-area x-ray with report typically costs around £100-£250, with some clinics advertising lower starting prices, and most private providers require a referral. See our UK x-ray cost guide.
Canada: covered by provincial health plans with a requisition. Australia: Medicare rebates referred x-rays and many practices bulk-bill. See our Canada and Australia guides.
How to Save Money on an Abdominal X-Ray
- Use an imaging center for non-urgent x-rays. A KUB that costs $400+ at a hospital is often under $150 at an independent center.
- For a suspected stone, start with the right test. A cheap KUB that misses a stone can lead to a CT anyway. Ask your clinician which test is most likely to give an answer.
- For stone follow-up, ask whether a KUB is enough instead of a repeat CT, if your stone shows on x-ray.
- Use urgent care rather than the ER when symptoms are manageable and there are no red flags.
- Quote by CPT code (74018, 74019, 74021) and confirm the price includes the read. More strategies are in our cost-saving tips and x-ray without insurance guides.
The Bottom Line
A KUB or abdominal x-ray typically costs $60-$200 at an imaging center, $250-$600 at a hospital and $400-$1,000+ in an ER without insurance, or a $10-$75 copay with insurance. It's cheap and low-dose, but for a first suspected kidney stone a non-contrast CT is usually the more reliable test, while a KUB is excellent for follow-up. Barium studies cost more, about $160-$610 self-pay. Related guides: pelvis x-ray cost, spine x-ray cost and bone age x-ray cost.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on XRayCost.com is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medical procedure. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Last Updated: October 12, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About Abdominal X-Ray Costs
A KUB (one-view abdominal x-ray, CPT 74018) typically costs $60-$200 self-pay at an imaging center, $90-$250 at urgent care, $250-$600 at a hospital outpatient department and $400-$1,000+ in an emergency room before ER visit fees. With insurance, most people pay a $10-$75 copay.
Yes, most imaging centers accept cash for a KUB, though you'll usually need an order from a clinician; urgent care or telehealth can provide one. A KUB can miss small stones and uric acid stones, so for a first suspected stone a non-contrast CT is usually the preferred test. A KUB works well for following a stone already known to be visible on x-ray. Seek emergency care for fever, vomiting or severe pain.
Multi-view abdominal x-rays (CPT 74019 for 2 views, 74021 for 3 or more) cost slightly more than a single KUB, typically $75-$250 at an imaging center and $300-$650 at a hospital. HonorHealth's 2025 self-pay list, for example, shows $422 for 74019 and $458 for 74021. Medicare's 2026 national amounts are about $36 and $42.
Since 2018, abdominal x-rays use 74018 (1 view), 74019 (2 views) and 74021 (3 or more views), replacing the old code 74000. A complete acute abdomen series that includes a chest view is 74022. A KUB is usually billed as 74018.
For a first episode of suspected kidney stone, a non-contrast CT is usually better: the American College of Radiology rates it as the usually appropriate first test because it shows stone size, location and blockage reliably. A KUB is cheaper and uses less radiation but is less sensitive. It is best for following known stones that show on x-ray. Ultrasound is preferred in pregnancy.
A barium upper GI series typically costs about $160-$610 self-pay on cash-price marketplaces such as MDsave, and more at some hospitals. A barium swallow (esophagram) is usually priced similarly or slightly lower. Barium studies cost more than a plain abdominal x-ray because they use fluoroscopy, take longer and involve a radiologist during the exam.
An adult abdominal x-ray delivers about 0.7 mSv, several times a chest x-ray but roughly a tenth of a standard CT of the abdomen and pelvis (about 7.7 mSv). Barium studies are higher, around 6 mSv. Tell the technologist if you might be pregnant.
A private abdominal x-ray in the UK typically costs around £100-£250 including the report, and most private providers need a referral. On the NHS it's free when requested by a GP, A&E or specialist.
Sources
- CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, 2026 relative value units for CPT 74018, 74019, 74021, 74176 and 74240 (via FastRVU lookup)
- New Hampshire HealthCost: X-ray of abdomen, 1 view (statewide uninsured estimates)
- HonorHealth radiology self-pay (prompt pay) price list, January 2025
- ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Acute Onset Flank Pain, Suspicion of Stone Disease (Urolithiasis), 2023 update. J Am Coll Radiol 2023;20(11S):S315-S328
- MDsave: Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Series and CT Abdomen and Pelvis without Contrast cash-price listings
- RadiologyInfo.org (ACR/RSNA): Radiation dose in x-ray and CT exams
- Mettler FA et al. Effective doses in radiology and diagnostic nuclear medicine: a catalog. Radiology, 2008
Prices are typical ranges, not quotes. Confirm the price with your provider before your appointment.