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Bone Density Scan, Peripheral Site

North Carolina 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?

$40.74

Typical negotiated rate. In North Carolina, October 2026.

Insurers have agreed to pay about $40.74 for this service. The price depends on where it is billed: about $40.74 from a physician practice, and about $43.65 from a hospital or other facility.

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 7 insurance carriers under federal price transparency rules.

Prices by location type

Billed byTypicalRange
Physician practiceA doctor's office, clinic or independent provider$40.74$30.20 to $57.54
FacilityA hospital or hospital-owned outpatient department$43.65$26.92 to $102

How much rates vary

Facilitymedian $44 · 10th to 90th $27 to $138Professionalmedian $41 · 10th to 90th $27 to $74
$10$20$50$100facility $44professional $41

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
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$8.51
Median
$8.71
Typical High
$18.20
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$17.38
Median
$18.20
Typical High
$38.90
BCBS North Carolina
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$17.38
Median
$22.91
Typical High
$31.62
BCBS North Carolina
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$34.67
Median
$40.74
Typical High
$60.26
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$10.23
Median
$13.18
Typical High
$28.18
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$20.42
Median
$28.84
Typical High
$58.88
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$12.30
Median
$18.20
Typical High
$22.39
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$23.99
Median
$37.15
Typical High
$44.67
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
26 · Professional part
Typical Low
$9.33
Median
$12.30
Typical High
$23.99
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
TC · Technical part
Typical Low
$17.38
Median
$26.92
Typical High
$51.29
17 more rates 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
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$26.92
Median
$26.92
Typical High
$38.02
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$25.70
Median
$26.92
Typical High
$58.88
Aetna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
FX · Film X-ray
Typical Low
$21.38
Median
$21.38
Typical High
$21.88
Ambetter
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$30.90
Median
$46.77
Typical High
$46.77
BCBS North Carolina
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$26.30
Median
$26.30
Typical High
$26.30
Cigna
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$34.67
Median
$87.10
Typical High
$138.04
Cigna
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$30.20
Median
$43.65
Typical High
$83.18
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$63.10
Median
$63.10
Typical High
$63.10
Medcost
Setting
Facility
Modifier
None
Typical Low
$26.92
Median
$26.92
Typical High
$35.48
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$37.15
Median
$52.48
Typical High
$72.44
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
51 · Multiple procedures
Typical Low
$19.50
Median
$31.62
Typical High
$44.67
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
80 · Assistant surgeon
Typical Low
$7.94
Median
$12.59
Typical High
$17.78
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
81 · Minimal assistant surgeon
Typical Low
$5.50
Median
$8.71
Typical High
$12.30
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
82 · Assistant surgeon, no resident
Typical Low
$5.50
Median
$8.71
Typical High
$12.30
Medcost
Setting
Professional
Modifier
AS · PA/NP assist
Typical Low
$5.50
Median
$8.71
Typical High
$12.30
Oscar Health
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$10.00
Median
$29.51
Typical High
$57.54
United
Setting
Professional
Modifier
None (both parts)
Typical Low
$28.18
Median
$40.74
Typical High
$74.13

Where North Carolina 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.

North Carolina· 22nd of 51

$40.74

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.