CGHS X-Ray, Mammography and DEXA Rate List

A plain X-ray is the lowest-priced imaging on the CGHS list, and it is billed per film and per region rather than per visit.

The tables below cover plain X-rays, the barium and contrast studies still used for the gut and urinary tract, and mammography and DEXA bone densitometry.

CGHS X-Ray Rates (effective 13 October 2025)

Super-speciality hospitals are billed at the NABH rate for these codes. The OM sets the non-NABH rate 15% below the NABH rate for the same code.

• X-ray chest PA / AP / oblique view (one film), Non-NABH — Rs 196
• X-ray chest PA / AP / oblique view (one film), NABH — Rs 230
• X-ray chest lateral (one film), Non-NABH — Rs 196
• X-ray chest lateral (one film), NABH — Rs 230
• X-ray abdomen AP, supine or erect (one film), Non-NABH — Rs 213
• X-ray abdomen AP, supine or erect (one film), NABH — Rs 250
• X-ray abdomen and pelvis for KUB, Non-NABH — Rs 200
• X-ray abdomen and pelvis for KUB, NABH — Rs 235
• X-ray extremities, bones and joints, AP and lateral (two films), Non-NABH — Rs 323
• X-ray extremities, bones and joints, AP and lateral (two films), NABH — Rs 380
• X-ray pelvis AP (one film), Non-NABH — Rs 170
• X-ray pelvis AP (one film), NABH — Rs 200
• X-ray spine AP and lateral (two films), Non-NABH — Rs 340
• X-ray spine AP and lateral (two films), NABH — Rs 400
• X-ray skull AP and lateral (two films), Non-NABH — Rs 340
• X-ray skull AP and lateral (two films), NABH — Rs 400
• X-ray paranasal sinuses (PNS) view (one film), Non-NABH — Rs 170
• X-ray paranasal sinuses (PNS) view (one film), NABH — Rs 200
• X-ray mastoids — Towne and oblique views (three films), Non-NABH — Rs 425
• X-ray mastoids — Towne and oblique views (three films), NABH — Rs 500
• X-ray temporomandibular joints (one film), Non-NABH — Rs 213
• X-ray temporomandibular joints (one film), NABH — Rs 250
• Ortho scanogram, Non-NABH — Rs 1,437
• Ortho scanogram, NABH — Rs 1,690

Contrast and Barium Studies

• Barium swallow, Non-NABH — Rs 1,020
• Barium swallow, NABH — Rs 1,200
• Barium upper GI study, Non-NABH — Rs 1,275
• Barium upper GI study, NABH — Rs 1,500
• Barium enema (single or double contrast), Non-NABH — Rs 1,700
• Barium enema (single or double contrast), NABH — Rs 2,000
• Intravenous pyelography (IVP), Non-NABH — Rs 1,403
• Intravenous pyelography (IVP), NABH — Rs 1,650
• Micturating cystourethrography (MCU), Non-NABH — Rs 952
• Micturating cystourethrography (MCU), NABH — Rs 1,120
• Retrograde urethrography (RGU), Non-NABH — Rs 952
• Retrograde urethrography (RGU), NABH — Rs 1,120
• Contrast hysterosalpingography (HSG), Non-NABH — Rs 1,700
• Contrast hysterosalpingography (HSG), NABH — Rs 2,000
• Fistulography / sinography / sialography / dacrocystography / T-tube cholangiogram / nephrostogram, Non-NABH — Rs 1,080
• Fistulography / sinography / sialography / dacrocystography / T-tube cholangiogram / nephrostogram, NABH — Rs 1,270

Mammography and Bone Densitometry

• X-ray mammography, unilateral or bilateral, Non-NABH — Rs 1,169
• X-ray mammography, unilateral or bilateral, NABH — Rs 1,375
• MRI mammography, Non-NABH — Rs 4,250
• MRI mammography, NABH — Rs 5,000
• DEXA bone densitometry — two sites, Non-NABH — Rs 1,700
• DEXA bone densitometry — two sites, NABH — Rs 2,000
• DEXA bone densitometry — three sites (spine, hip, extremity), Non-NABH — Rs 2,125
• DEXA bone densitometry — three sites (spine, hip, extremity), NABH — Rs 2,500
• DEXA bone densitometry — whole body, Non-NABH — Rs 2,550
• DEXA bone densitometry — whole body, NABH — Rs 3,000

Rates shown are as per the CGHS approved package rates (Office Memorandum F.No.5-16/CGHS(HQ)/HEC/2024(PartI) dated 03.10.2025, effective 2025-10-13) (2025 (effective 13.10.2025)) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

X-Rays Are Billed by Film and by View

The list prices an X-ray by the number of films and the views taken. A chest PA view is one film at Rs 196 (non-NABH); a lateral chest view is a second code at the same rate. A spine series of AP and lateral is two films at Rs 340. If a bill shows a single flat "X-ray charge" for several regions, ask for the code against each region.

Mammography and Bone Density Screening

X-ray mammography, unilateral or bilateral, is Rs 1,169 (non-NABH). DEXA bone densitometry is priced by the number of sites scanned — two sites, three sites, or whole body — so confirm what has been requested before the scan.

How CGHS Package Rates Work

A CGHS package rate is an all-inclusive amount covering admission, surgeon and anaesthetist charges, operation theatre, nursing, routine investigations, medicines and accommodation for the standard length of stay. For an investigation, the rate is the whole charge for that test at an empanelled facility.

The 2025 memorandum lists three columns for every code: a non-NABH rate, a NABH rate that is about 15% higher, and for some categories a further super-speciality rate. Which column applies depends on the accreditation status of the hospital or laboratory you are treated at, not on your ward entitlement.

High-value implants, stents, lenses and devices are not part of the package. Where a code says the rate excludes an implant or a drug, that item is reimbursed separately against its own notified ceiling.

Referral and Prior Permission

For planned (non-emergency) procedures, a CGHS beneficiary needs a referral from the CGHS wellness centre and prior permission from the competent authority. Emergency treatment at an empanelled hospital is reimbursed up to CGHS rates without prior permission.

For investigations, the test has to be prescribed by a CGHS medical officer or by a specialist at a government or empanelled hospital for the empanelled laboratory to bill it as a cashless CGHS test.

• Carry a valid CGHS card and follow your ward entitlement (based on pay or pension)
• Use an empanelled hospital or laboratory for cashless treatment up to CGHS rates
• Obtain prior permission and a referral for planned surgery
• Ask for the OM code the hospital is billing against, and check it against the rate list

These Rates Are Revised

CGHS revises its package rates periodically, and the memorandum in force on the date of your treatment is the one that applies. The figures on this page are from the memorandum effective 13 October 2025. Before you plan a procedure, confirm the current figure for your code on the official memorandum linked above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CGHS rate for a chest X-ray?

A chest X-ray PA, AP or oblique view (one film) is Rs 196 at a non-NABH centre and Rs 230 at a NABH centre under the rates effective 13 October 2025. A lateral chest view is a separate code at the same rate.

What does CGHS pay for a mammography?

X-ray mammography, unilateral or bilateral, is Rs 1,169 (non-NABH) and Rs 1,375 (NABH). MRI mammography is a separate, higher code at Rs 4,250 and Rs 5,000.

Is a DEXA bone density scan covered under CGHS?

Yes. DEXA bone densitometry is listed at Rs 1,700 (non-NABH) for two sites, Rs 2,125 for three sites including spine, hip and extremity, and Rs 2,550 for a whole body scan.

Are barium studies still on the CGHS list?

Yes. Barium swallow, barium upper GI study and barium enema all carry their own codes, as do IVP, MCU, RGU and hysterosalpingography.

Related

• CGHS ultrasound and Doppler rate list
• CGHS MRI and CT scan rates
• CGHS rate list for common procedures

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.