Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Thyroid Ultrasound Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Thyroid Ultrasound (bilateral) | $200 – $500 | $50 – $125 |
| Thyroid Ultrasound with Doppler | $250 – $700 | $60 – $175 |
| Thyroid Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy (FNA) | $500 – $2,000 | $100 – $400 |
CPT/ADA Code: CPT 76536
What Affects the Cost
- Facility type (freestanding center vs. hospital — hospitals cost 2-3x more)
- Geographic location
- Complexity of the visit or test
- Whether additional tests or procedures are needed
- In-network vs. out-of-network provider
- Time of day (emergency/after-hours may cost more)
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Covered as diagnostic for thyroid nodules, enlargement, or abnormal lab results
Most diagnostic tests and urgent care visits are covered when medically necessary with a doctor's order. You'll pay your deductible first, then coinsurance (typically 20-40%). Preventive screenings are covered at $0 under the ACA. Always use in-network providers to avoid surprise bills.
How to Save Money
- Freestanding facilities cost 50-70% less than hospital-based
- Ask for cash-pay pricing upfront — often 40-60% less than billed rate
- Compare prices on MDsave.com or Healthcare Bluebook
- Use urgent care instead of ER for non-emergencies (save $1,000+)
- Telehealth visits cost $50-$100 for many conditions
- Check if the service qualifies as preventive care ($0 with insurance)
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
A thyroid ultrasound costs $200-$500 without insurance. With Doppler flow, it can reach $700. With insurance, out-of-pocket is typically $50-$175. If a biopsy is needed, the total cost increases to $500-$2,000.
A thyroid ultrasound is ordered to evaluate nodules felt during a physical exam, enlarged thyroid (goiter), abnormal thyroid blood tests, or to guide a needle biopsy. It can distinguish solid nodules from fluid-filled cysts.
An ultrasound can identify suspicious features (irregular borders, microcalcifications, increased blood flow) but cannot definitively diagnose cancer. A fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis.