Hip X-Ray Cost: 2026 Price Guide With & Without Insurance

How Much Does a Hip X-Ray Cost?

If you're asking "how much does a hip x-ray cost," the short answer in 2026 is: most self-pay patients in the United States pay between $100 and $1,100 for a hip x-ray, with the national average falling around $250 to $350. The wide range exists because the same x-ray can be billed at very different rates depending on whether you visit a freestanding imaging center, an urgent care clinic, a hospital outpatient department, or an emergency room. With insurance, most people pay far less—typically a $10 to $75 copay, or 10% to 30% coinsurance after meeting their deductible.

Hip x-rays are one of the most frequently ordered imaging studies in orthopedics. They're the first-line test for hip fractures in older adults, the standard tool for diagnosing and staging hip osteoarthritis, and the routine follow-up exam after hip replacement surgery. Because so many people need them—often unexpectedly after a fall—understanding the cost ahead of time can save you hundreds of dollars.

This guide breaks down the average cost of hip x-rays without insurance, what you'll pay with insurance or Medicare, the CPT codes that determine your bill, private hip x-ray costs in the UK, and practical strategies to keep your out-of-pocket spending as low as possible.

What is a Hip X-Ray?

A hip x-ray (also called hip radiography) uses a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce images of the hip joint, which is the ball-and-socket joint where the head of the femur (thigh bone) meets the acetabulum of the pelvis. The images show bone alignment, joint space, fractures, arthritic changes, bone density abnormalities, and the position of any hardware such as a hip replacement implant.

Healthcare providers order hip x-rays for many reasons, including:

• Diagnosing a suspected hip fracture after a fall or trauma
• Evaluating and grading hip osteoarthritis (joint space narrowing, bone spurs)
• Investigating chronic hip, groin, or thigh pain
• Checking the position and integrity of a hip replacement (arthroplasty follow-up)
• Assessing hip dysplasia, avascular necrosis, or femoroacetabular impingement
• Detecting bone tumors, infections, or stress fractures

A standard hip x-ray takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The technologist will position you lying on a table and usually take two or more views—commonly an anteroposterior (AP) view of the pelvis plus a lateral or "frog-leg" view of the affected hip. The procedure is painless, although positioning can be uncomfortable if you have an acute injury.

Hip X-Ray Cost by Facility Type (Without Insurance)

The single biggest factor in what you'll pay is where the x-ray is performed. The exact same two-view hip x-ray can cost $120 at an independent imaging center and $900 or more as part of an emergency room visit. Here are typical 2026 self-pay price ranges in the United States:

Note that emergency room figures typically include facility fees layered on top of the imaging charge itself, which is why the ER is by far the most expensive place to get a hip x-ray. If you've had a serious fall and can't bear weight, the ER is the right choice—but for chronic hip pain or a routine arthritis workup, a freestanding imaging center can cost 70-80% less for identical images.

These prices usually include both the technical component (taking the images) and the professional component (the radiologist's interpretation and written report). Always confirm this when getting a quote, because some facilities bill the radiologist's fee separately, adding $40 to $150 to your total.

Hip X-Ray CPT Codes and What They Mean for Your Bill

Hip x-rays are billed using CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes, and the code determines the price. Knowing the exact code your doctor ordered lets you get accurate quotes when you call around. The current hip x-ray codes are:

Codes 73501 through 73503 cover unilateral (single-hip) exams, with the price climbing as the number of views increases from one view (73501) to two or three views (73502) to four or more views (73503). Codes 73521 through 73523 cover bilateral exams that image both hips. Code 72170 is a plain pelvis x-ray, which is often ordered alongside or instead of a dedicated hip series because the AP pelvis view shows both hip joints.

Unilateral vs. Bilateral Hip X-Rays

Whether you need one hip or both hips imaged affects your cost, but not as much as you might expect. A bilateral study (73521-73523) typically costs only 30-50% more than a unilateral one—not double—because the patient setup is the same and an AP pelvis view captures both hips in a single exposure. Doctors often order bilateral views for arthritis evaluations so they can compare the symptomatic hip to the other side. If your doctor orders a bilateral exam, ask whether comparison views are clinically necessary; for a clear-cut single-sided injury, a unilateral study may suffice and save you money.

Hip X-Ray Cost With Insurance

If you have private health insurance, your out-of-pocket cost for a medically necessary hip x-ray is usually modest:

• Copay plans: Most insured patients pay a fixed copay of $10 to $75 for diagnostic x-rays at in-network facilities. X-rays done during an urgent care or office visit may be bundled into the visit copay.
• Coinsurance plans: After meeting your deductible, you pay 10% to 30% of the insurer's negotiated rate. Negotiated rates for hip x-rays generally run $60 to $250, so your share might be $10 to $75.
• High-deductible health plans (HDHPs): Until you meet your deductible, you pay the full negotiated rate—which is still usually well below the cash price at hospitals.

Always use in-network facilities. An out-of-network hospital hip x-ray can leave you with a balance bill of several hundred dollars even with good insurance. To learn more about how plans handle imaging, see our guide to insurance coverage for x-rays.

Average Cost of Hip X-Rays Without Insurance: What Drives the Price?

Beyond facility type and CPT code, several factors influence the average cost of hip x-rays without insurance:

1. Geographic Location

Imaging prices track local healthcare costs. A two-view hip x-ray that costs $120 at an imaging center in Texas or Tennessee might cost $250 to $350 at a comparable center in New York City, San Francisco, or Boston. Even within a single metro area, prices commonly vary by a factor of three or more between the cheapest and most expensive providers.

2. Number of Views

Each additional view adds to the bill. A single-view exam (73501) is the cheapest; a four-plus-view unilateral study (73503) or a five-plus-view bilateral study (73523) can cost 50-100% more. Specialized views such as the cross-table lateral (used when a fracture is suspected and the leg can't be rotated), Judet views for acetabular fractures, or false-profile views for dysplasia all add views and cost.

3. Separate Professional Fees

Hospitals frequently "unbundle" the bill: one charge for the technical component, another for the radiologist's reading, and sometimes a facility fee on top. Freestanding imaging centers usually quote one global price. When comparing quotes, always ask: "Is the radiologist's interpretation included in that price?"

4. Stat or After-Hours Reads

If your x-ray needs an immediate interpretation—common in the ER or urgent care at night—some providers add a stat-read surcharge of $25 to $100.

If you're uninsured, federal price transparency rules require hospitals to publish their cash prices, and you have the right to a Good Faith Estimate before scheduled care under the No Surprises Act. For more strategies, read our full guide to getting an x-ray without insurance.

Hip X-Ray Costs for Common Conditions

Hip X-Rays for Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common reason adults over 50 get hip x-rays. A weight-bearing AP pelvis view plus a lateral view of the painful hip (billed as 73502 or 72170 plus a hip view) lets the doctor measure joint space narrowing and grade the arthritis. Expect $100 to $280 at an imaging center or $250 to $600 at a hospital without insurance. Because arthritis is monitored over years, choosing a low-cost imaging center for these repeat x-rays adds up to real savings—someone imaged annually for ten years could save $2,000 or more versus hospital pricing.

Hip X-Rays for Suspected Fracture

Hip fractures are medical emergencies, most common in adults over 65 after a fall. The standard workup is an AP pelvis plus a cross-table lateral of the injured hip. Because these are almost always obtained in the ER, the total imaging-related charge typically runs $500 to $1,300 when ER facility fees are included. The good news: emergency care is covered by virtually all insurance plans and Medicare, and ER imaging for a genuine emergency is protected from out-of-network surprise billing under the No Surprises Act. Note that 2-10% of hip fractures are occult (invisible on initial x-rays), so a follow-up MRI or CT is sometimes needed.

Hip Replacement Follow-Up X-Rays

After total hip arthroplasty, surgeons order x-rays at regular intervals—typically at 6 weeks, 1 year, and then every 1 to 5 years—to check implant position, wear, and loosening. These are routine two-view studies (usually 73502). Without insurance they cost $120 to $400 each depending on facility; with insurance or Medicare, they're covered as medically necessary follow-up care, leaving you a copay or coinsurance of $10 to $75. Some orthopedic practices include the first post-operative x-ray in the global surgical fee, so ask before you're billed separately.

Hip X-Ray vs. MRI vs. CT: Cost Comparison for Hip Pain

An x-ray is almost always the first imaging test for hip pain because it's fast, cheap, and answers the most common questions. But sometimes more advanced imaging is needed. Here's how 2026 self-pay costs compare:

In practical terms: if your x-ray is normal but pain persists, your doctor may order an MRI to look for a labral tear, stress fracture, or early avascular necrosis—conditions x-rays miss. CT is preferred for mapping complex fractures before surgery. Insurers almost always require a plain x-ray first and frequently require prior authorization before approving hip MRI or CT, so skipping straight to advanced imaging usually isn't an option (or a good use of money).

Does Medicare Cover Hip X-Rays?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hip x-rays when ordered by a physician or qualified provider to diagnose or manage a medical condition—which includes fall injuries, arthritis evaluation, and hip replacement surveillance. Here's how the costs work in 2026:

• You first meet the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026).
• After that, Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount and you pay the remaining 20% coinsurance.
• Medicare-approved amounts for hip x-rays are low—generally $30 to $90 depending on the code and setting—so your 20% share is often just $6 to $18.
• If the x-ray is done in a hospital outpatient department, a separate facility copayment may apply, raising your total.
• Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans typically cover the 20% coinsurance entirely.
• Medicare Advantage plans must cover the same services but may use copays (commonly $0 to $50 for x-rays) and may require in-network providers or prior authorization.

Given that hip fractures and hip arthritis disproportionately affect people over 65, Medicare's strong x-ray coverage is good news: for most beneficiaries, a hip x-ray costs under $20 out of pocket once the deductible is met.

Infant Hip Imaging: Ultrasound vs. X-Ray

Parents are sometimes surprised when a pediatrician orders a hip ultrasound rather than an x-ray for a baby being screened for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The reason is anatomical: in infants under about 4 to 6 months of age, the femoral head is still mostly cartilage, which doesn't show up on x-rays. Ultrasound visualizes cartilage beautifully and involves zero radiation, making it the standard screening test for DDH in young infants—typically costing $150 to $500 without insurance.

After roughly 4 to 6 months, the femoral head begins to ossify (turn to bone), and a pelvis x-ray (CPT 72170) becomes the preferred test for diagnosing and monitoring hip dysplasia. Pediatric hip x-rays cost about the same as adult studies—$100 to $400 at most facilities—though dedicated children's hospitals may charge more. Pediatric facilities use low-dose techniques and gonadal shielding protocols to minimize radiation exposure. Most insurance plans and Medicaid cover DDH screening and follow-up imaging as medically necessary, often with no cost-sharing for infants under well-child benefit provisions.

Private Hip X-Ray Cost in the UK

Searches for "private hip x ray cost" come overwhelmingly from the UK, where patients facing NHS waiting lists often pay privately for faster imaging. In 2026, a private hip x-ray in the UK typically costs £100 to £250, with most clinics charging £120 to £180 for a standard two-view study including the radiologist's report.

Typical private UK prices:

• Spire Healthcare: roughly £120 - £220 depending on the hospital location
• Nuffield Health: roughly £100 - £200 for a hip or pelvis x-ray
• InHealth and independent diagnostic centres: often the cheapest option, from around £100 - £150
• Private London hospitals (HCA, The London Clinic): £150 - £250+

Most UK private providers require a referral, but many now accept self-referral for plain x-rays or offer a short GP/clinician consultation (an extra £50 - £100) to generate one. Results are usually reported within 24 to 48 hours. If you have UK private medical insurance (Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality), diagnostic x-rays are normally covered in full with pre-authorisation. Compare this with NHS care, which is free at the point of use but may involve waits of weeks for routine outpatient imaging. For a complete breakdown of UK imaging prices, see our x-ray cost UK guide.

How to Save Money on a Hip X-Ray

Because identical hip x-rays vary in price by 5-10x in the same city, a few minutes of comparison shopping pays off more for imaging than almost any other medical service. Use these strategies:

For Uninsured or High-Deductible Patients:

• Choose a freestanding imaging center. Independent radiology centers charge $100-$280 for hip x-rays versus $250-$750 at hospital outpatient departments—for the same images read by board-certified radiologists.
• Ask for the cash/self-pay price. Many facilities discount 20-50% for payment at time of service. Always ask before assuming the list price is final.
• Get quotes using the CPT code. Call two or three facilities, give them the exact code (e.g., 73502 for a standard unilateral hip series), and ask for an all-inclusive price covering the radiologist's read.
• Check hospital price transparency files. US hospitals must post machine-readable cash prices; tools built on this data let you compare local prices quickly.
• Request a Good Faith Estimate. For scheduled care, uninsured patients are legally entitled to a written estimate in advance under the No Surprises Act.
• Avoid the ER for non-emergencies. If you can bear weight and the pain is chronic rather than from acute trauma, urgent care or an imaging center will cost a fraction of an ER visit.
• Ask about financial assistance. Nonprofit hospitals are required to offer charity care programs; many discount or forgive bills for households under 200-400% of the federal poverty level.

For Insured Patients:

• Stay in-network and verify the radiologist (not just the facility) is in-network too.
• Compare in-network options. Your coinsurance on a $450 hospital x-ray is far more than on a $150 imaging-center x-ray. Many insurers' cost-estimator tools show this difference.
• Use HSA/FSA funds to pay your share with pre-tax dollars.
• Question repeat imaging. If you had recent hip x-rays elsewhere, have them transferred rather than repeated—digital images move easily between providers.

For more ways to cut imaging bills, visit our cost saving tips page, and if you're comparing walk-in options, see our guide to urgent care x-ray costs.

What Happens During and After Your Hip X-Ray

On the day of your exam, you may be asked to change into a gown and remove metal objects (belts, zippers, items in pockets) that could obscure the images. The technologist positions you on the table—usually lying on your back for the AP view, then with the leg rotated outward in a "frog-leg" position for the lateral view. Each exposure takes a fraction of a second; the whole appointment usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

A radiologist then interprets the images and sends a written report to your ordering provider, typically within 24 to 48 hours (or within an hour for stat ER reads). The report describes bone alignment, joint spaces, any fractures or degenerative changes, and comparisons with prior studies. Radiation exposure from a hip or pelvis x-ray is low—around 0.6-0.7 millisieverts, roughly equivalent to a few months of natural background radiation—so the diagnostic benefit nearly always outweighs the minimal risk when the test is clinically indicated.

Last Updated: June 12, 2026