How much does a bone density scan (DEXA) cost in Seattle?
Low-dose x-ray scan of the hip and spine to measure bone density and screen for osteoporosis. Below: the rates insurers have actually negotiated with 23 Seattle-area hospitals, and the cash (self-pay) prices where published — from the hospitals' own federally required price files.
$157
lowest median negotiated rate
Harborview Medical Center
$496
highest (adult hospitals)
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
3.2×
price spread
same procedure, same metro
Median negotiated rate per hospital · sorted low → high · hover a bar for the full receipt
cash (self-pay) price
| Hospital | Gross charge | Cash price | Negotiated | Range | # rates | vs median |
|---|
* Specialty hospital (pediatric or cancer center) — rates reflect specialty case mix. † Median based on fewer than 3 published rates — treat as indicative. Bars show the median dollar-denominated commercial negotiated rate; hospitals sharing a health-system contract show similar rates.
SOURCE: standard-charges files from 23 hospitals · file dates 2025-07-26 → 2026-06-29 · retrieved 2026-07-26 → 2026-08-15
Paying cash can beat using insurance. At Swedish Medical Center (First Hill), the self-pay price is $185 — less than the $368 median commercial-insurer rate. If you haven't met your deductible, ask for the cash rate.