Complex X-ray

On MDsave, the cost of an Complex X-ray ranges from $55 to $443. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can shop, compare prices and save.

An X-ray is a medical testing procedure physicians use to create images of internal structures of the body. X-ray beams can pass entirely through the body, but this occurs differently depending on the density of the specific material and how much of the beam the body is absorbing. Dense materials will appear white while air in the lungs will appear black. Muscle, fat and organs appear in different shades of gray depending on density.

X-ray is the preferred technology in certain situations especially when bones or teeth are involved in the scanning. X-ray is the cheapest form of scanning versus MRI and CT. An X-ray is fast, only taking a few seconds for completion and X-ray is the most recommended technology for diagnosing breaks in bones and dental issues. Only bone and dense forms of tissue such as joints are visible using X-ray, so the scanning ability of X-ray is limited. However, when it comes to scanning bone or metal objects inside the body, X-ray scanning is preferable.

Physicians use X-ray scanning technology to look for infections, fractures, arthritis, osteoporosis, dental decay and bone cancer. Chest X-rays are also recommended in order to find blocked blood vessels, an enlarged heart, breast cancer and lung conditions. Swallowed items and problems with the digestive tract are diagnosed using X-ray technology. Because of the way that X-ray technology works, this scanning method is ideal for situations where the density of bone and its appearance on the X-ray film will come in handy such as diagnosing a bone fracture.