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Bone Density Scan, Peripheral Site

Washington, DC rates for HCPCS 77081

A low-dose imaging scan that measures bone density at a peripheral location such as the wrist, forearm, or heel, used to help assess bone strength and screen for bone thinning conditions like osteoporosis. It uses a specialized low-radiation X-ray technique rather than a standard X-ray picture.

Rates data updated October 2026.

How much does Bone Density Scan, Peripheral Site cost?

$32.36

Typical negotiated rate. In Washington, DC, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $32.36 for this service. Most negotiated rates run $28.84 to $44.67.

These are rates insurers have negotiated with providers, not the amount a patient is billed. What you owe depends on your plan's deductible and coinsurance. Based on rates published by 5 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $186 · 10th to 90th $30 to $295Professionalmedian $32 · 10th to 90th $21 to $87
$10$20$50$100$200$500facility $186professional $32

Distribution of negotiated rates across all payers (price axis is log-scale). Small sample; interpret with caution. Need provider-level prices or 24+ months of history? Contact us.

Rates by insurance carrier

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$30.20
Median
$30.20
Typical High
$30.20
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$27.54
Median
$30.20
Typical High
$69.18
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$8.32
Median
$8.71
Typical High
$21.88
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$19.05
Median
$21.38
Typical High
$42.66
CareFirst
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$8.91
Median
$32.36
Typical High
$39.81
CareFirst
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$9.77
Median
$10.00
Typical High
$12.02
CareFirst
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$23.44
Median
$26.30
Typical High
$33.11
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$104.71
Median
$257.04
Typical High
$724.44
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$28.84
Median
$39.81
Typical High
$128.82
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$7.94
Median
$11.75
Typical High
$35.48
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$19.05
Median
$28.18
Typical High
$93.33
Kaiser Permanente
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$33.88
Median
$34.67
Typical High
$74.13
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$23.99
Median
$41.69
Typical High
$114.82
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$7.59
Median
$12.30
Typical High
$31.62
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$16.22
Median
$27.54
Typical High
$81.28
1 more rate with less common billing modifiers

A modifier changes what was billed, for example a reduced or repeated service. Each of these modifiers carries under 10% of the published rates for this code. Modifier combinations, and modifiers with fewer than 30 rates for a carrier, are not listed.

Insurance Carrier
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
FX · Film X-ray
Typical Low
$22.39
Median
$23.99
Typical High
$23.99

Where Washington, DC sits

The same service costs 3.8 times more in Alaska than in Florida. Every bar is a state, most expensive first. Touch or drag across it to read any state, then open that state for its carriers and full range.

Washington, DC· 40th of 51

$32.36

AK $93.33FL $24.55

Median negotiated rate in each state, from every insurer that publishes one. States where no insurer publishes a rate for this service are not shown.