Pregnancy (OB) Ultrasound: what it covers and what it costs

What an OB Ultrasound price actually covers

An obstetric ultrasound images the fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid during pregnancy. Codes differ by gestational age and by how detailed the examination is, so a hospital's published price refers to one specific type of scan.

Code scope. Two dominant codes: 76805 = complete fetal anatomy scan at 14+ weeks (the '20-week anatomy scan'); 76801 = first-trimester/dating scan (<14 weeks). Limited/quick-look is 76815; detailed anatomic exam is 76811.

What is — and isn't — in the price

The facility charge covers the scan itself; the interpreting physician's fee is often separate. Where the scan happens inside an obstetric practice rather than a hospital department, it is sometimes bundled into global maternity billing instead of appearing as its own charge.

Why OB Ultrasound prices differ so much between hospitals

A first-trimester scan, a standard second-trimester anatomy survey, a limited follow-up scan and a detailed anatomic examination are all distinct codes at distinct prices. Twins add a per-fetus component. This is why published obstetric ultrasound prices vary far more than the procedure's simplicity suggests.

What else usually lands on the bill

Nuchal translucency screening, fetal biophysical profile and Doppler studies of umbilical flow are each their own codes. Non-invasive prenatal blood screening is a laboratory test billed entirely separately.

What to ask before you book

Ask which specific ultrasound code is being quoted and whether it will be billed separately or absorbed into a global maternity package — the same scan can be handled either way depending on where it is done.

Where the money actually moves

Scans performed inside an obstetric practice are often absorbed into global maternity billing rather than charged separately, so ask whether a hospital referral is necessary or whether the practice can scan in-house.