Private Chest X-ray Scan from £169
A chest X-ray provides an image of the lungs, heart outline and chest structures. It is commonly used as an initial investigation for selected respiratory symptoms and to assess certain chest abnormalities.
What can a chest X-ray scan assess?
Chest X-rays can show many lung changes, fluid around the lungs and some heart or bone findings. They do not detect every lung condition and cannot replace clinical assessment.
Why might a clinician recommend this scan?
- Investigation of selected cough, fever or breathing symptoms
- Assessment of suspected chest infection when clinically indicated
- Review of lung and heart size or other chest abnormalities
- Follow-up of selected previously identified findings
How to prepare
Usually no special preparation is required. You may be asked to remove clothing or jewellery from the chest area and briefly hold your breath while the image is taken. Tell the team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
Safety and limitations
X-ray uses ionising radiation, generally at a low dose. New severe breathlessness, significant chest pain or coughing up substantial blood needs urgent medical assessment rather than routine imaging.
X-ray uses ionising radiation. The imaging team considers whether the examination is justified for your clinical question and uses an appropriate protocol.
How does it compare with other scans?
CT provides more detailed cross-sectional images and may be requested if an X-ray does not answer the clinical question.
More than a scan: doctor-led care before and after
Your scan is part of a supported care pathway. You do not need to arrange your own referral.
Before your scan: GP consultation
Discuss your symptoms, medical history and concerns with a GP. This helps you understand whether the scan is appropriate and what the examination is intended to investigate. If imaging is clinically appropriate, PrivateScans arranges the referral as part of the process.
After your scan: understand the report
Your images are reviewed and reported by a Consultant Radiologist. Your post-scan GP consultation gives you an opportunity to discuss the report in context, ask questions and understand possible next steps.
Included with your service
- Pre-scan GP consultation
- Private medical referral where appropriate
- Consultant Radiologist’s report
- Digital access to your images and report
- Post-scan GP consultation
- Dedicated Patient Care Team support
Consultation fee: You pay £25 when you book. If you proceed with the scan, the £25 is deducted from the scan price. If you do not proceed, you pay only the £25 consultation fee.
Chest X-ray scan FAQs
Practical answers about booking, preparation, reporting and the clinical pathway.
How much does a private chest x-ray scan cost?
A private chest x-ray scan starts from £169. You pay £25 for the pre-scan GP consultation when you book. If you go ahead with the scan, the £25 is deducted from the scan price. If you decide not to proceed, you only pay the £25 consultation fee. If you are unsure whether this scan is right for you, speak to a doctor today.
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need to arrange your own referral. You start with a pre-scan GP consultation with PrivateScans. The GP discusses your symptoms and medical history and, if the scan is clinically appropriate, PrivateScans arranges the referral as part of the process.
Who reports my scan?
Your images are reviewed and formally reported by a Consultant Radiologist. The written report explains the imaging findings; your post-scan GP consultation helps you discuss the results in the context of your symptoms and possible next steps.
When will I receive my report?
Your Consultant Radiologist’s report is usually available within 3 days of your scan.
What happens before and after the scan?
Your service includes a pre-scan GP consultation, referral arrangements where imaging is clinically appropriate, the scan, a Consultant Radiologist’s report, digital access to your images and report, a post-scan GP consultation and support from the Patient Care Team.
Can a normal chest X-ray rule out every lung problem?
Can a normal chest X-ray rule out every lung problem? No. Some conditions may not be visible on an X-ray; further assessment depends on symptoms and clinical findings.
Unsure whether this scan is right for you?
Speak to a doctor about your symptoms and the most appropriate next step.